Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been hoping to reteam for The Trade for over three years, but it’s only now that it finally looks like it’s coming together. Variety reports that Jay Roach has signed on to direct the Warner Bros.’ baseball sex scandal drama.
The film is based on a true story from the 1970s when sandal erupted after it was revealed that two New York Yankees pitchers, Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich, had decided to swap wives. Although it has started off as a few swinging one-offs, they eventually decided to make the switch permanent. While it was an equitable arrangement that pleased all parties, the public wasn’t quite as understanding. Fritz and Susanne remain a couple till this day, while Mike and Marilyn drifted apart.
Affleck is eyeing the role of Peterson with Damon as Kekich. Casey Affleck is also likely to star, and indeed he also wrote the latest draft of the script, taking over from David Mandel. Previously both Affleck and Damon have considered directing, but they’ve not handed the reins to Roach.
Jay Roach is best known for comedies such as The Campaign, Meet The Parents, and the Austin Powers films, but has had success with drama such as Game Change and Recount.
About a year ago, Cabin In The Woods’ helmer Drew Goddard attached himself to direct The Martian. However in recent months he’s become very busy agreeing to direct the pilot episode of Netflix’s Daredevil series, and signing up to be at the reigns for Spider-man spin-off Sinister Six.
The BAFTA nominations are out, with Gravity getting the most nods with 11 nominations. 12 Years a Slave and American Hustle are each nominated in ten categories, while Captain Phillips has nine nominations. Behind the Candelabra and Saving Mr. Banks are each nominated five times.
