Danai Gurira is set to reunite with her Black Panther co-star Michael B. Jordan in a thrilling new project—the reimagining of The Thomas Crown Affair. This romantic heist thriller not only stars Jordan but also sees him stepping into the roles of director and producer under his production company, Outlier Society. Alongside him, Elizabeth Raposo from Outlier Society and veteran producer Charles Roven from Atlas Entertainment are also on board as producers.
Production for this exciting film begins on Monday in London. Recently, the project expanded its impressive cast by adding Kenneth Branagh, an Academy Award winner, and Lily Gladstone, an Academy Award nominee. They will join the already announced cast member Taylor Russell, enhancing the film’s appeal with their remarkable talent.
The original Thomas Crown Affair, produced by United Artists in 1968, featured legendary actors Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. The storyline revolved around a man who orchestrates bank robberies for sheer enjoyment, only to find himself challenged when he becomes entangled with an insurance investigator who is hot on his trail. A 1999 remake starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo reinterpreted this classic story. This new adaptation will take the action to Europe while maintaining its art-thieving theme.
In this reimagined version, Michael B. Jordan will portray a billionaire with a penchant for art theft, while Taylor Russell will assume the role of a suave private detective. Specific character details regarding Lily Gladstone and Kenneth Branagh are currently under wraps, creating intrigue among fans. Additionally, sources indicate that Danai Gurira will portray Jordan's confidante, further solidifying her pivotal role in the narrative.
Fans can look forward to the theatrical release of this romantic thriller, set for March 5, 2027, by Amazon MGM. The screenplay for The Thomas Crown Affair was penned by Drew Pearce, following an earlier draft created by Wes Tooke and Justin Britt-Gibson, which drew inspiration from the original film. Notably, Patrick McCormick and Marc Toberoff from Toberoff Productions will also serve as producers, while Alan Trustman, who wrote the original 1968 film, will take on the role of executive producer.
Danai Gurira has garnered widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Okoye, the fierce Wakandan general in Marvel’s Black Panther and Avengers films. Her performance earned her a People’s Choice Award, an NAACP Image Award, and a shared SAG Award. Gurira faced off against Michael B. Jordan in the first Black Panther film, where he played a usurper to the Wakandan throne. Additionally, she became a fan favorite for her role as the katana-wielding zombie slayer Michonne in AMC’s The Walking Dead. Recently, she co-created, executive produced, and starred in the spinoff series The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live.
Looking ahead, Gurira will be featured in the Apple TV+ film Matchbox, based on the iconic Mattel toy line, alongside John Cena. She is represented by UTA, Suskin/Karshan Management, and Jackoway Austen, ensuring her continued presence in high-profile projects.