Colman and Cumberbatch Take on Roles of Rivals in the Dark Comedy
Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch are set to play a married couple from hell in the upcoming film The Roses, a remake of the 1989 dark comedy The War of the Roses. Directed by Jay Roach, The Roses transforms the original story, which starred Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, into a fresh narrative that explores the darker side of love and competition. Written by Tony McNamara, known for his work on The Favourite and Poor Things, the film brings Colman back together with McNamara after their successful collaboration on The Favourite.
The Plot: A Perfect Marriage That Turns Into a Battleground
The official plot synopsis for The Roses reads: “Ivy (Colman) and Theo (Cumberbatch) appear to have a perfect life—successful careers, a loving marriage, and great children. But as Theo’s career falters while Ivy’s rises, hidden resentment and fierce competition begin to simmer beneath their seemingly idyllic existence.” This reimagining of the 1989 classic, which was based on Warren Adler’s novel, explores how a seemingly perfect life can quickly unravel into a battle of wills between two ambitious individuals.
Star-Studded Cast and Creative Team Behind the Project
The Roses feature a star-studded cast, with Colman and Cumberbatch not only starring but also producing the film alongside their respective production banners, South of the River and SunnyMarch. The film is produced by Michelle Graham, Adam Ackland, Leah Clarke, Ed Sinclair, and Tom Carver, with Jay Roach directing. Colman and Cumberbatch’s collaboration on this project marks another significant step in their careers, bringing together a team of highly skilled creatives, including screenwriter McNamara. Searchlight Pictures president Matthew Greenfield praised the team, stating, “With Jay at the helm, and Benedict and Olivia and Tony, we have a dream team bringing it to life.”
Colman’s Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
Olivia Colman continues to thrive in her career with multiple upcoming projects. She is set to star in a Pride and Prejudice series and a romantic film co-starring Dev Patel. Colman has expressed her desire to work again with director Yorgos Lanthimos, with whom she collaborated on The Favourite. Her versatile talent continues to captivate audiences in both comedic and dramatic roles.
Cumberbatch’s Busy 2024 and MCU Future
Benedict Cumberbatch is also riding a wave of success. In 2024, he starred in Eric and appeared in Wes Anderson’s The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) can look forward to his return as Doctor Strange in the upcoming phases, further solidifying his place in the global film industry.
Release Date and Anticipated Premiere
The Roses will hit theaters on August 29, 2025, promising a comedic yet deeply human exploration of ambition, rivalry, and the complexities of relationships. The trailer has already generated buzz, and anticipation for the film is building rapidly.