John Lee Hancock, the director of The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks, will bring a new film to Cannes next week: Monsanto. This drama is based on a true story and follows Dewayne “Lee” Johnson, a former high school groundsman who developed cancer after using the company’s weed killer. Anthony Mackie will play Johnson, while Laura Dern will portray Dr. Melinda Rogers, the chief toxicologist at Monsanto who testifies that their product is safe.
The script for this film was written by Michael Wisner, Alexandra Duparc, Ned Benson, and Hancock himself. Producers include Moritz Borman, Eric Kopeloff, Philip Schulz-Deyle, Jon Levin, Adam McKay, and Kevin Messick. International sales are managed by Rocket Science while CAA Media Finance handles US rights.
Hancock was drawn to this story because of its dramatic elements and its relevance in today’s society. He saw it as a David versus Goliath battle between an individual against a powerful corporation. Mackie has won critical acclaim for his roles in The Hurt Locker and The Banker and will also star in Captain America: Brave New World alongside Chris Evans. Dern has had an extensive career with roles in Marriage Story and Little Women among many others films and series.
The film focuses on Johnson’s legal battle with Monsanto after being diagnosed with cancer. It highlights how the company tried to cover up the risks associated with their product while also showing how individuals can fight back against corporate power when they are wronged.
Overall, this film promises to be a thrilling drama that sheds light on important social issues of our time. With its talented cast and creative team behind it, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at Cannes next week.
