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David O. Russell will direct ‘Shutout,’ a feature centered around the gritty world of pool hustling, with Robert De Niro and Jenna Ortega attached to star. The project is generating significant buzz ahead of its debut at the Cannes Film Market.

The story centers on Jake Kejeune (De Niro), a seasoned hustler and one of the last practitioners of a fading art. After years spent chasing victory in smoky backroom halls, Jake crosses paths with Mia (Ortega), a fiercely talented young newcomer. Her raw, magnetic skill rekindles a spark in Jake, who sees the potential to shape her into a legend. He takes her under his wing, refining her instincts and pushing her abilities to the limit. Together, they enter the unforgiving world of high-stakes pool, where fortunes are made and lost in an instant. As Mia’s rise accelerates and her ambition intensifies, Jake is faced with a pivotal dilemma: can he guide her to true greatness, or will her hunger for success overpower everything he’s taught?

The film is based on a script by Alejandro Adams and will be produced by Russell, Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum of RK Films, alongside Mark Bomback. Black Bear is launching international sales at Cannes, while CAA Media Finance handles U.S. rights.

De Niro reunites with Russell, having previously worked with the director on ‘Silver Linings Playbook,’ among other acclaimed projects like ‘American Hustle’ and ‘The Fighter.’ Ortega joins the production fresh off major hits such as ‘Wednesday,’ ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ and the ‘Scream’ franchise.

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