Black Bear announced that renowned director David O. Russell (American Hustle, The Fighter, Joy) will helm Shutout, reuniting him with his frequent collaborator Robert De Niro (Killers of the Flower Moon, The Irishman, Joy). Joining De Niro is Jenna Ortega (Beetlejuice, Scream franchise, Wednesday), a rising Gen Z star. Written by Alejandro Adams, Shutout will be produced by Russell, Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum of RK Films (Maleficent, Fast X, Anyone But You), and Mark Bomback (Defending Jacob, The United States vs Billie Holiday). Black Bear will present the project to international buyers at the Cannes Film Market, with CAA Media Finance handling U.S. rights.
The film follows Jake Kejeune (De Niro), one of the last masters of the dying craft of pool hustling. Having lived and lost in smoky backroom halls, Jake encounters Mia (Ortega), a young prodigy with raw talent that reignites his passion. Seeing a rare opportunity, Jake mentors Mia, honing her skills and introducing her to the high-stakes world of pool. As Mia’s star rises, Jake faces the dilemma of guiding her to greatness or watching her ambition overpower everything he has taught her.
De Niro, one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, continues his fruitful collaboration with Russell in Shutout. A two-time Academy Award winner for The Godfather Part II and Raging Bull, De Niro’s career includes iconic roles in Taxi Driver, Goodfellas, The Irishman, and Joker.
Jenna Ortega gained widespread recognition for her role in Netflix’s Wednesday, which became the platform’s most-watched English-language series in its first week. She earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and starred in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Scream (2022), and Scream VI (2023).
David O. Russell’s career includes hits like The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, and American Hustle, all of which earned multiple Academy Award nominations. Silver Linings Playbook earned Jennifer Lawrence the Best Actress Oscar, while The Fighter won Oscars for Christian Bale and Melissa Leo. Russell has received three Best Director nominations and two nominations for Best Adapted and Original Screenplay.
RK Films, founded by Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum, has produced blockbuster franchises such as Maleficent, Snow White and the Huntsman, and The Huntsman: Winter’s War. The company’s filmography also includes F9, Fast X, and major Netflix projects like The Gray Man and Damsel.
“We are thrilled to be working with the acclaimed David O. Russell and legendary Robert De Niro, and especially excited to have Jenna Ortega join these cinematic icons,” said RK Films’ Jeff Kirschenbaum. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring such a high-caliber team together to tell a captivating story.”
Black Bear is preparing for a star-studded Cannes, with Shutout joining other notable projects like Anxious People starring Angelina Jolie, Train Dreams (sold to Netflix after Sundance), The Rivals of Amziah King with Matthew McConaughey, Guy Ritchie’s Wife & Dog, and an untitled action movie starring Jason Statham.