Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal Join Forces for ‘Paradise’ — A Project 20 Years in the Making
After More Than Two Decades, ‘Honeymoon with Harry’ Finally Moving Forward with Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal
Hollywood has struggled for over 20 years to get Honeymoon with Harry off the ground — but now the drama-comedy has found its home at Amazon MGM and landed two major stars. Kevin Costner (Yellowstone) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Presumed Innocent) will headline the film, directed by Glenn Ficara and John Requa, with a script penned by Paradise creator Dan Fogelman.
Based on Bart Baker’s novel, Honeymoon with Harry tells the story of a man (played by Gyllenhaal) who embarks on a honeymoon with his soon-to-be father-in-law (Costner) after his fiancée tragically dies just two days before their wedding.
The project has been stuck in development hell since 2004. Initially, producer Mike Karz was attached, with a first draft by Paul Haggis (Crash). Early plans featured Vince Vaughn and Jack Nicholson as leads, with Haggis directing. Later iterations saw Jonathan Demme attached to direct a script by Jenny Lumet (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds). Dan Fogelman joined the project in 2015 when Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro were considered for the lead roles. Nick Cassavetes was also lined up to direct in 2017. Karz has remained dedicated to the project, working to revive Fogelman’s version after the rights lapsed from New Line. The upcoming film reunites Ficara, Requa, and Fogelman following their success with the dramedy Crazy, Stupid, Love.
What Are the Stars and Writer Working on Now?
Kevin Costner continues to pursue his passion project, Horizon: An American Saga. Part 1 premiered last year, and Part 2 has been filmed, though the release dates for the remaining parts remain uncertain due to legal complications. Costner also recently hosted the History Channel docuseries The West.
Jake Gyllenhaal remains busy with Amazon MGM, having starred in their recent Road House remake. A sequel is already in the works, with Gyllenhaal set to reprise his role.
Dan Fogelman has multiple projects in development at Hulu, including the recently wrapped second season of his hit show Paradise and ongoing casting for an untitled NFL drama.
