Ben Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Jenna Ortega, and Toby Wallace have joined the cast of the upcoming crime thriller Finestkind. The film is set in a Massachusetts fishing community and follows two recently reunited brothers as they, out of desperation, get into business with a dangerous crime syndicate. Brian Helgeland (Mystic River, L.A. Confidential) will write and direct Finestkind. The film has been acquired by Paramount+ and will begin production this month, eying a late 2022 premiere on the streaming service.

The official plot synopsis for the film (via The Wrap) reads:

“Set in New Bedford, Mass., America’s biggest commercial fishing port, Finestkind tells the story of two brothers (Foster and Wallace) from opposite sides of the tracks, who are reunited as adults over one fateful summer. When desperate circumstances force them to strike a deal with a dangerous Boston crime syndicate, a young woman (Ortega) finds herself caught in the middle. Along the way, sacrifices must be made, and bonds between brothers, friends, and a father (Jones) and his son are put to the test.”

Finestkind comes from the mind of Academy Award-winning writer Brian Helgeland, best known for penning the screenplays of L.A. Confidential and Mystic River. Helgeland has also directed the Mel Gibson-starrer Payback and 2015’s Legend, starring Tom Hardy as the Kray twins. But Finestkind seems to be his most personal movie yet. Helgeland released a statement, revealing how Finestkind is inspired by his own experiences as a fisherman.

“Having spent a year after college as a Massachusetts fisherman, I created a script that brings a level of authenticity by being able to weave in my own personal experiences. I come from a long line of commercial fishermen and have experienced their hard-working world firsthand. Through the help of our partners at 101 Studios, Paramount+ and Bosque Ranch, we will be able to accurately capture their endeavors at sea, as well as honor them for their immense contribution to society. I feel privileged for the opportunity to tell this story to audiences globally.”

Finestkind will be produced by Gary Foster and Russ Krasnoff of Krasnoff/Foster Entertainment, Taylor Sheridan of Bosque Ranch, David C. Glasser of 101 Studios, and in association with MTV Entertainment Studios.

Related: The Best Ben Foster Movies, Ranked

Finestkind Has Been a Long Time in the Making

Previously titled “Finest Kind,” the film was announced back in 2018 with Jake Gyllenhaal, Ansel Elgort, and Zendaya in the lead, but the project fell through over time. But the film is on track again, and producer Gary Foster promises Finestkind will be worth the wait.

“Brian and I have dreamed about making this film for a long time. We have been friends and colleagues for over 30 years. Brian’s powerful screenplay draws on his experiences growing up in the tough city of New Bedford, Mass. The authenticity of the piece and the richness of character combined with Brian’s directorial vision will elevate ‘Finestkind’ to an exciting cinematic ride, and is why we have attracted a stellar cast led by Ben, Toby, Jenna and Tommy Lee Jones. I couldn’t be more thrilled!,” Foster said in a statement.

While we’ll never know how the film would have played out with Gyllenhaal and Zendaya in the main roles, the casting of incredibly talented actors like Ben Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Jenna Ortega, and Toby Wallace could turn out to be even better.

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