‘I, Tonya’ Director Craig Gillespie To Helm Strip Club Murder Drama ‘Chippendales’ Starring Dev Patel

Three years after its original announcement, it appears the film depicting the real-life drama surrounding a dramatic murder at a male strip club is finally beginning to show some signs of life. As first reported by Deadline, I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie will direct the film, titled Chippendales, with Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel leading the cast.

Upon the film’s first announcement, Patel was set to star alongside Ben Stiller. However, given the trajectory of Stiller’s transition to directing and producing, the co-starring role will be now recast. Patel will remain in a starring role, however, after first signing the deal in 2017.

Patel will play Steve Banerjee. An Indian immigrant, Banerjee travels to Playa del Rey, Los Angeles to chase dreams of fame and fortune. Following a short stint as a gas station attendant, Banerjee finds himself in the position to purchase a rundown L.A. rock club. After the acquisition is finalized, the young entrepreneur transforms the club into a new venue featuring female mud wrestling and male exotic dancers. “The Chippendales” empire would go on to earn over $8 million a year and solidify itself as a cultural phenomenon. However, Banjeree’s business partner, Paul Snider, eventually murders his girlfriend, Dorothy Stratten, and before committing suicide. The aftermath leaves Banjeree in a bevy of legal battles and leads to a “violence-filled descent.”

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Filmmaker Craig Gillespie boards the film and will command the director’s chair. Best known for directing the critically acclaimed hit I, Tonya, the filmmaker will also helm the upcoming Disney live-action film Cruella, starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. David Permut (Hacksaw Ridge) will produce alongside Bold Films. The feature’s original script is by author Isaac Adamson with a later version by Craig Williams.

Dev Patel continues to consistently churn out jaw-dropping efforts in big-budget pictures. In recent years, the actor has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor thanks to his turn in Garth Davis’ Lion. Additionally, Patel can be seen in films like The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Chappie. Up next, he will star alongside Alicia Vikander in David Lowery’s The Green Knight.

What do you think? Are you excited to see Dev Patel in this role? Let us know in the comments below!

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