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Robert Connolly to direct Sam Worthington in The Riders

Sam Worthington is reportedly set to star in the adaptation of Tim Winton’s novel The Riders.

The mystery-thriller follows Scully, an Australian in the process of moving to Ireland with his wife and young daughter. When his wife goes missing en route, Scully (set to be played by Worthington) embarks on a quest to find her that leads him around the globe.

The production, which will be directed by Robert Connolly, is an Australian-UK co-production and will begin shooting on February 4 next year, according to Screen Daily. The film is also set to star Charles Dance, Alexandra Maria Lara, Timothy Spall, while Susie Brooks-Smith, Robert Fox and Timothy White are producing.

Worthington, who was in Western Australia filming surf movie Drift last year, said he is a fan of Winton’s books and is looking forward to working with Connolly on the project.

“I have always been a fan of Tim Winton’s work and The Riders is fierce about life, emotionally moving and deeply thrilling. I can’t wait to explore this with the talented Robert Connolly,” Worthington said.

IF Magazine has attempted to contact Connolly, who was unavailable for comment. However, he said The Riders has always been one of his favourite novels according to the Screen Daily report. “It is a wonderful gift for any filmmaker to get the chance to direct such an extraordinary work. Sam Worthington is perfect for the role of Scully. For a number of years we have shared a passion about making The Riders together."

Last month, Screen Australia said it had provided development support to The Riders, along with 22 other projects.

  1. Bill Hayes Unfortunately, this movie is unlikely to be made. I am a member of the first of two film crews to have worked on the pre-production of the Riders in the UK for producer Susie Brooks Smith of Trinity Films (who have the films rights), and have not been paid a single penny for our weeks of work. A second crew were hired by Susie Brooks Smith and they too have yet to be paid for their work. The name of the “Riders” movie is becoming toxic within the UK Film industry. Its time the rights to this movie be taken away from this producer and given to someone who can bring this fabulous book to the screen.

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