Fred Prouser/Reuters
The Roger Ailes movie that will reportedly portray the fall of the late Fox News head has been dropped by Annapurna Pictures two weeks before production was scheduled to begin, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Bron Studios will reportedly co-finance the film’s production now that Annapurna has stepped out. Focus Features, Amblin, and Participant Media are also reportedly “in the mix to acquire” it. One source told The Hollywood Reporter that “budget issues” were the reason Annapurna parted ways with the Jay Roach-directed project, but another source disputed that claim. The project reportedly has a budget of $35 million. On Monday, actor Malcolm McDowell signed on to play Rupert Murdoch. John Lithgow has committed to playing Ailes, and actresses Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie will round out the cast.