Fox Searchlight Pictures has announced that it has acquired the worldwide rights to Nomadland, the new film from writer-director Chloe Zhao (The Rider) which sees Oscar-winner Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri). Here’s a first-look image…
Based on the non-fiction book Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder, the film is a road movie following Fern (McDormand), a woman in her sixties, who after losing everything in the Great Recession embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad. As with The Rider, the film also includes real people turned actors including Linda May and Charlene Swankie.
“As I fell in love with the American west, it was impossible not to become fascinated with the roads that lead to the many adventures beyond the horizon,” said Zhao. “I’m very fortunate to be able to hit the road with a talented team and collaborate with a cast of professional and non-professional actors who are deeply giving and inspiring. I can’t wait to share their stories and what we’ve discovered along the way.”
Zhao is set to follow Nomadland by taking on directing duties on Marvel Studios’ The Eternals, which is expected to start shooting later this year.