The Roses: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch Face Off In (Marital) War

Academy Award winner Olivia Colman and nominee Benedict Cumberbatch are set to lead in The Roses, a contemporary reimagining of the 1989 dark comedy The War of the Roses. Directed by Jay Roach and penned by Tony McNamara, the film delves into the tumultuous unraveling of a seemingly perfect marriage.

A Modern Twist On A Classic Tale

In this reimagining, Colman is playing Ivy, a successful chef with a rising career, while Cumberbatch plays Theo, an architect who is facing several setbacks in his professional life. Their relationship which was once idyllic, starts deteriorating as ambition and resentment take center stage in their lives, leading to a bitter and comedic battle of wills.

'The Roses' is set against the backdrop of California and boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, and Zoë Chao. It explores the various themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of modern relationships.

Watch the trailer of 'The Roses' here: 

Behind The Scenes

Both Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch are not only starring but also producing the film through their respective production companies, South of the River and SunnyMarch. The project is a collaboration with Searchlight Pictures and the Adler Entertainment Trust, aiming to bring Warren Adler's original story to a modern generation.

Searchlight Pictures President Matthew Greenfield expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "The Roses is a wildly funny, bigger than life, and yet deeply human story. With Jay at the helm, and Benedict and Olivia and Tony, we have a dream team bringing it to life."

Colman and her producing partner Ed Sinclair shared their excitement, saying, "We have been cooking this up with our friends at SunnyMarch for some time, and it has been an absolute thrill to see it spring into life under Jay’s passionate and thoughtful guidance. He and Tony are a match made in cinematic comedy heaven."

Jonathan R. Adler, CEO of Adler Entertainment Trust, added, "Working with our partners at Searchlight Pictures in this reimagining of the classic movie is a dream come true."

Anticipated Release 

The Roses is scheduled for its theatrical release in the US on 29 August. Fans of dark comedies and modern relationship dramas can look forward to this fresh take on a classic story.