‘He’s going to get slapped again’: Drunk director warns Chris Rock about his remake

Thomas Vinterberg reacted in a mocking tone to the announcement of the project.

Following the success of Drunk in 2020, selected in official competition at Cannes and awarded the Oscar and César for best foreign film, Hollywood did not fail to set its sights on Thomas Vinterberg’s black comedy. In this case they are Leonardo DiCaprio and his company Appian Way who acquired the rights in 2021.

The film tells the story of a group of teachers in their forties, led by Mads Mikkelsenwho decides, on the basis of a dubious scientific theory, to live constantly under alcohol to find happiness.

We learned a few days ago that the project was moving forward. Surprise, it’s Chris Rock who will direct the remake of Drunk. An announcement that may have surprised some. Certainly, the comedian has already directed three feature films (including Top Fivein 2014), but they didn’t really make an impression.

But what does Thomas Vinterberg think? Questioned by the Danish media Ekstra Bladet, the director of Festen And The hunt was benevolent but also a bit mocking towards the project.

“The choice of Chris Rock is exciting. What he offers is fascinating. I am full of good expectations“, said Vinterberg, who is not involved in the production, before joking about the famous episode of the 2022 Oscars where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock live:

“If he does something shitty, he’ll get slapped again!“

For the moment, we do not know more about this remake of Drunk. No casting announcement has been made. Leonardo DiCaprio was once mentioned for the main role played by Mads Mikkelsen in the original film, but it is likely that the star, who only shoots for prestigious filmmakers (currently Paul Thomas Anderson), is content with the role of producer.