Yes, you read that right, Daisy Ridley is to star in a London set skyscraper action movie called Cleaner. I guess I’m somewhat surprised by this piece of casting news, on multiple fronts. However, the report, and all factual details in this article come from Deadline so let’s start there, then we’ll get to my thoughts.
Star Wars actor Daisy Ridley is going sky-scraping again as we can reveal she is set to star in vertiginous action-thriller Cleaner from Casino Royale and GoldenEye filmmaker Martin Campbell.
Now, at this point I was intrigued. That was until I got to the plot summary from the trade which I share with you below.
The timely action-thriller, set in present-day London, will see radical activists take over an energy company’s annual gala at the Shard – the tallest skyscraper in Western Europe – seizing 300 hostages in order to expose the corruption of the hosts. Their just cause is hijacked by a zealous extremist within their ranks, who is ready to murder everyone in the building to send his anarchic message to the world. It falls to an ex-soldier turned window cleaner, Joey Locke (Daisy Ridley) – suspended 90 stories up on the outside of the building – to save those trapped inside and take down the killers, whilst also finding a way to bring the corrupt energy moguls to justice.
Wow, that sounds like one of the worst ideas for a movie I have heard in a long time. Have we time traveled back to the late 80’s here? This sounds like it has a young JCVD, or Arnie all over it. Yet, it’s Daisy Ridley who starred in three Star Wars movies and is making a fourth. I think the fact Ridley is in this is perhaps an indication that her career hasn’t taken off since Star Wars? I mean, this sounds rubbish. Anyway, first more official details from Deadline.
Pic is being financed and produced by Greenland outfit Anton with Sebastien Raybaud and Callum Grant as producers. Shoot is due to commence late summer 2023 with talks underway about filming locations (no word yet whether the project will actually film at the Shard). Anton will handle world sales with all rights available. CAA Media Finance is co-repping domestic.
Martin Campbell said: “Cleaner is a nail-biting thriller, unique and original in both its characters and its setting. Much of the film takes place on the side of the Shard – hundreds of feet up in the air – and I want the audience to be up there with Joey in a stomach churning, vertiginous experience. There isn’t a more instinctive and powerful actress than Daisy right now to help us do just that. The majority of my movies have been thrillers and Cleaner is one of the best I’ve ever read.”
Producer Sebastien Raybaud commented: “It has always been the intention to make European action-thrillers that are sophisticated, provocative, and fun at the same time. Independent films from our region with heart and identity, but which also provide a unique and accessible proposition for contemporary audiences globally. With Martin and Daisy taking lead, and a script that is so unpredictable and authentic, we have everything we need do just that.”
Oh, it’s being made by a European studio. Yep, I figured that’s where this was coming from. Probably get a grant from some government and access to the location I imagine, which will boost it’s popularity.
Surprises
My surprises were, in order as I read this news.
Why would you set a skyscraper themed movie in London of all cities? I assume this is some kinda of promotional thing for London and that’s where some of the money is coming from (this was before I read the full article). You don’t set a skyscraper movie in London. I was next surprised we essentially get the entire plot of the movie here, which shows you how eager the studio making this are to promote it and the fact they’ve secured a Star Wars actor. My final surprise was that after reading the plot to this, and presumably more, that Ridley said yes.
A struggling actor can’t turn down parts and money, but you’d think Ridley would have the luxury of politely turning this one down. I can imagine the pitch meeting now. ‘It’s Die Hard, but with a climate message, because that’s current. Oh, and instead of a cop stuck at a party, it’s an ex-soldier stuck on the side of a skyscraper, as she’s now a window cleaner. Get this though, we don’t it do this in Manhattan, we do it in London.’
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I’m not even kidding when I say my dad came up with a better British based action movie than this. Well, as a concept he ran past me one day I mean. I could be wrong and this is a sleeper hit. Maybe Daisy Ridley’s Joey Locke is the new John Wick? Maybe the sequel will be set in NYC?
‘Joey just wants to wash windows, and forget about her past in the military. However, among the skyscrapers of New York City, Joey’s lethal skills will once again be put to the test in this sequel to smash hit Cleaner, Cleanest opens June, 2026.’ – Now with Hollywood budget because the first film made money.
Right, I’ve had my fun, maybe this movie will be great and I will look foolish. I like Ridley, I just don’t think this is the right career move for her.
Daisy Ridley is to star in a London set skyscraper action movie called Cleaner. Are you as excited as me
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