The Tracking Board’s Daily Debrief (08.29.17)

Tracking Board’s Launch Pad Manuscript Competition Unveils Top 50

Half of this year’s Top 50 manuscripts come from female authors, and over 25 percent from writers abroad. This year’s Top 50 also features a wide range of genres, with everything from fantasy and thrillers, to period dramas and comedic sci-fi.

“Maleficent 2” Moves Forward as Disney Taps “Spectre” Scribe Jez Butterworth to Rewrite Sequel (Exclusive)

Joe Roth is producing the sequel, which will see Angelina Jolie reprise her role as the iconic Sleeping Beauty villain. Plot details remain unknown at this time, and any potential release date would depend on Jolie’s schedule.

Ben Affleck in Talks to Direct Afghanistan War Movie “Red Platoon” for Sony (Exclusive)

Affleck’s brother, the reigning Oscar winner Casey Affleck, is being eyed for the lead role, according to insiders. Ben previously directed Casey in his first film, Gone Baby Gone, though the two haven’t worked together since.

More News From Around the Web

• Lionsgate has pushed back Robin Hood back six months to September 21, 2018. The film stars Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, and Eve Hewson. (Variety)

• YouTube Red has added the animated series Dallas & Robo to their original programming lineup. The project features the voices of WWE wrestler and actor John Cena and Kat Dennings. (Deadline)

• Justified executive producers Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman have optioned three of the Detroit novels for a new TV series. The books were penned by Elmore Leonard. (Coming Soon)

• In a competitive situation, CBS has scooped up Chiefs with a pilot production commitment. The hourlong drama hails from David Hudgins, Carol Mendelsohn, and Sony Pictures TV Studios. (Deadline)

• CBS comedy Me, Myself & I has tapped Ed Begley Jr. and Tia Mowry for recurring roles. The series stars Jack Dylan Grazer, Bobby Moynihan, and John Larroquette, playing the same person in three defining periods of his life. (TV Guide)