Josh O'Connor to Star in Kelly Reichardt's Intriguing New Film

In what promises to be a cinematic delight somewhat akin to discovering an unexpected gem in the attic, Josh O’Connor is about to team up with the ever-enigmatic Kelly Reichardt for her latest jaunt titled *The Mastermind*. Now, let’s take a brief moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of that title—because who wouldn’t want to be the mastermind behind an art heist set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War? It’s as if someone decided to mix heist thrillers with poignant political commentary over a cup of coffee in a dimly lit café.

Reichardt, allegedly unafraid of a little ambition, will not only write the screenplay but also take the helm as director. Word on the cinematic street is that production will kick into gear sometime this year. It's almost poetic, isn’t it? The weaving of art theft and historical angst—it’s like a confusing relationship that you can’t quite figure out, yet you’re inexplicably drawn to it.

The trio behind this endeavor, Neil Kopp, Anish Savjani, and Vincent Savino, barrel into the production under their beloved Filmscience banner. Now, here’s where it gets a little complicated—MUBI, that trendy name we all love to drop at cocktail parties, is financing this venture. They will be distributing it in select cozy corners of the world while keeping rights to North America, the UK, Ireland, LATAM, Germany, Austria, Benelux, Turkey, and India—all the hot spots! The Match Factory, meanwhile, claims the rest of the globe as their territory. Can you picture the overlap of maps? A bit overwhelming, really.

For those of us with a penchant for continuity, Filmscience is no stranger to teaming with Reichardt; they’ve worked on every project since *Old Joy*. This will mark MUBI’s second tango with her, having previously acquired international rights (excluding the US and China) for *First Cow*. Yes, the one about the cow—because, let’s face it, everyone needs a hobby that involves less dramatic flares and more serene depictions of cow-related life.

To throw a few more delectable morsels into this already enticing stew, let’s not forget that O’Connor is having a remarkable year, sharing the screen with none other than Zendaya and Mike Faist in the Amazon MGM production *Challengers*. Who wouldn’t want to see that? It feels like a star-studded dinner party where everyone has something to bring to the table. He’ll also be seen next to Kate Winslet in the upcoming drama *Lee*, followed by the much-anticipated sequel to *Knives Out*, titled *Wake Up Dead Man*. Talk about diversifying your portfolio!

O’Connor’s credits are about as extensive as a high school yearbook, including *La Chimera* and PBS’s version of *Rome and Juliet*. And as for Reichardt, she’s not one to shy away from a challenge, having secured representation by the formidable duo of UTA and Sloss Eckhouse Dasti Haynes LawCo. Clearly, both O’Connor and Reichardt have their ducks in a row, ready to embark on this artistic escapade.

In the end, this isn’t just another movie announcement—it’s a curious amalgamation of talent, ambition, and