Helgeland has a knack for compelling characters and crime stories, so hopefully something good will come of this collaboration. And it also marks a reunion for the filmmaker and Jones, who previously worked together on ‘Finestkind’.
The film follows a former Chicago mob enforcer (Cube), who after being released from prison, is a man intent on changing his life. Disappearing into rural Texas, he finds work under a skilled furniture craftsman and retired Texas Ranger Gus Wanamaker (Jones).
As Ruben and Gus form an unlikely friendship, that bond is jeopardized when both men’s pasts threaten to catch up with them.
When will ‘Outside Man’ be in theaters?
That’s a question right now –– the combination of Jones, Cube and Helgeland is currently in the process of being offered to studios and streamers to see who will pick it up. So stay tuned on that front.
Ice Cube stars in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.’
Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell will star in ‘The Cackling of the Dodos’.
Netflix is backing the movie.
Following his star turn in thriller series ‘Black Rabbit’ (not to mention his long established relationship with the streamer via ‘Ozark’, Netflix is staying in the Jason Bateman business.
The actor has locked in his next directorial effort with the company, signing on to make ‘The Cackling of the Dodos’.
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And the odd-sounding screwball crime comedy drama (more on the story below) will see Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell in the lead roles.
To be based on an original script by ‘Kingdomtide novelist Rye Curtis, ‘The Cackling of the Dodos’ follows George, small-town farmer who has a truly terrible day when he discovers a corpse chilling out in a grain bin and he is unwittingly forced into a chaotic, sloppy cover-up by his boss, Denny.
We’d assume Rockwell will be George, while Harrelson will take on Denny.
What else is Jason Bateman involved with?
Currently on screen in HBO series ‘DTF St. Louis’, Bateman is also attached to direct John Grisham adaptation ‘The Partner’ and is involved as filmmaker/producer to a variety of other projects, including a new take on ‘Clue’.
Jason Bateman attends Netflix’s ‘Black Rabbit’ NY Premiere and After Party at SVA Theater on September 16, 2025 in New York City. Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for Netflix.
Selected Movies and TV Shows Featuring Jason Bateman:
Arriving on Prime Video on March 11 with all eight episodes of its first season is ‘Scarpetta’, the adaptation of Patricia Cornwell’s successful book series, starring Nicole Kidman as the forensic pathologist investigating a mysterious serial killer.
While so many others in the genre have seen their books adapted for screens both big and small in the past, Patricia Cornwell, a titan in the crime field, has resisted overtures to bring particularly her Kay Scarpetta book series out of the pages.
She was smart to wait for a team that includes Blumhouse, Jamie Lee Curtis and executive producer Elizabeth Sarnoff (‘Barry’), because the result is an impressive, layered take that spans two different time periods.
Sarnoff, working alongside a writing team that also includes Matthew Zucker and ‘Narcos: Mexico’ veteran Iturri Sosa, has found a way to crack the Scarpetta story, successfully evolving and updating the story while maintaining what works in the books. Juggling two different storylines that connect via the characters, it’s a balancing act that comes across well.
Leading a directorial group that also features Charlotte Brändström, David Gordon Green brings a stylish sheen to a show that could have ended up looking like a bland procedural but never does. Little touches such as showing cigarette butts littered next to a young Scarpetta’s parking spot give character clues and exposition without need them rammed home.
Kidman works well as the cool, sometimes icy forensic pathologist, while still finding space for her to react to big challenges. But by far the highlight of the series is Curtis as her flamboyant, narcissistic sister Dorothy, a showcase role that lets her do her thing but still fit perfectly in with the ensemble.
And credit also to the younger cast who play the characters 30 years prior –– they’re all excellent, bringing subtle nuance to the roles.
Prime Video was clearly impressed enough with the efforts of all involved to order up two seasons initially, so those who have a good time with the first run (and a finale that teases more) will be comforted in the knowledge that another will be on the way.
Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta (Nicole Kidman) returns to Virginia and resumes her former position with complex relationships, both personal and professional – including her sister Dorothy (Jamie Lee Curtis), with plenty of grudges and secrets to uncover.
