According to Variety, Viggo Mortensen is in talks to star in Green Book, an upcoming drama which is being directed by Peter Farrelly, one half of the Farrelly Brothers, from a script he has co-written with Nick Vallenlonga and Brian Currie.
Based on a true story, Green Book is set in 1962 and follows Tony Lip – the real life father of Vallenlonga – who was one of the best bouncers in New York City. In need of work after his nightclub, the Copacabana, shuts down, he takes a gig chauffeuring a highly educated piano-playing prodigy who wants Lip to go on tour with him in the Deep South. While the two clash at first, a bond eventually grows as they travel deeper into the racially charged region.
Although deals are yet to be closed, production on the film is slated to get underway in the fall. It will mark Farrelly’s first big screen project since the 2014 comedy sequel Dumb and Dumber To, which he co-directed with brother Bobby.
Originally published June 4, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
