The Roses: Benedict Cumberbatch And Olivia Colman To Play A Dysfunctional Couple?

Director Jay Roach has brought together two of Hollywood’s finest stars for his upcoming film titled The Roses. They are none other than Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. Based upon the 1989 comedy thriller The War of the Roses, featuring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, this Jay Roach directorial is a retelling of the blockbuster classic. The Roses is also inspired by a novel of the same title, written by Warren Adler. The script of the upcoming dark comedy which is still in the initial stages of production will be penned by Poor Things and The Great writer Tony McNamara.

According to a report by Variety, The Roses tells the tale of a seemingly perfect couple — Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Ivy (Olivia Colman), living in a luxurious mansion. On the surface, they appear to have successful careers, great kids and an excellent intimate life. However, it is eventually revealed that Theo and Ivy’s ideal marriage is a facade, underneath which there lies an envious competition and resentment towards each other. Things between the two get heated up further when Theo’s professional ambitions come crumbling down one day. Humiliation, disrespect, and sabotage follow afterwards, making the situation trickier for the duo.

As per Matthew Greenfield, the president of Searchlight Pictures production firm, The Roses is a “wildly funny, bigger than life, and yet deeply human story,” cited Variety. Greenfield added that with Jay Roach helming the project, Tony penning the script, and Benedict Cumberbatch-Olivia Colman being roped in, it was a “dream team” working together to bring the story “to life”.

Benedict Cumberbatch is associated with The Roses’ production under the banner of his company SunnyMarch alongside the firm’s Adam Ackland and Leah Clarke, reports The Hollywood Reporter. Olivia Clarkman has also donned the producer’s cap under her South of the River banner. Tom Carver and Ed Sinclair act as the actress’ partners. Jay Roach and Michelle Graham are also acting as producers.

Speaking of Benedict Cumberbatch, the Doctor Strange star was last seen in director Wes Anderson’s 2023 comedy adventure The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. Meanwhile, Olivia Colman’s last on-screen appearance was in the Paul King directorial Wonka, headlined by Timothee Chalamet. She is ready for the release of director Dougal Wilson’s Paddington in Peru.