Paul Mescal has signed onto a new film, replacing Blake Jenner in Richard Linklater’s new project, Merrily We Roll Along.
The film, which is based on the Stephen Sondheim musical, which itself, an adaptation of a Broadway play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, will be filmed over a 20 year period.
This is obviously a huge undertaking for Paul Mescal and the film’s other stars, who include Beanie Feldstein and Ben Platt, however it is not the first time Linklater has undertaken a project of this type.
The director is also responsible for the Before Sunrise trilogy, which was filmed with nine years between each movie, and also Boyhood, which was filmed over a period of 12 years.
So, what do we know so far about the film we won’t be seeing for 20 years? Keep reading on.
What Is Merrily We Roll About?
The story follows three friends, Franklin (Mescal), Charley (Platt) and Mary (Feldstein) who pursue careers in show business.
Franklin and Charley are creative partners before Franklin leaves Charley to become a Hollywood producer. Mary, meanwhile, is a theatre critic.
The story is famously told in reverse, with it beginning when the characters are older, looking back at the time they were younger, fresh-faced and hopeful.
What Is The Benefit Of Filming Something Over A Long Period Of Time?
For those who have seen Linklater’s other work, then you might already understand the benefit of filming something over a long period.
While in most films, time jumps are either done using different actors or heavy makeup to make the same actor seem younger or older, Linklater is dedicated to his characters authentically ageing in real time.
This makes the different periods of a character’s life seem more authentic compared to bringing in new actors, which can often throw the energy of a film off.
When Will Merrily We Roll Along Be Released?
Seeing as the movie will take 20 years to film, we’re expecting it to take even longer to be released—can you image how much footage they’re going to have to edit?
