Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell to star in The Laureate

Dominic Cooper and Hayley Atwell will play the leads in The Laureate that Media 8 will introduce to buyers in Cannes.

William Nunez wrote and will direct the drama, set in the 1920s about a love triangle between the young British war poet Robert Graves, his wife Nancy and the passionate young American writer Laura Riding. 

Media 8 Entertainment is handling worldwide sales after vice-president of acquisitions Audrey Delaney brought it in to the Los Angeles-based company.

Production is set to begin in autumn in the UK and Ireland on the story, set in Britain’s Roaring ‘20s as Graves encounters a beautiful young American writer studying at Oxford.

Defying societal convention, the woman moves in with Graves and his wife, leading to tension and Graves’implication in attempted murder.

“We are extremely pleased to add The Laureate to our line-up and to bring the project to Cannes,” Media 8 president Stewart Hall said. “This is a very talented young cast who are perfect for these roles, and this true life story of Graves is fascinating.”

Phillip Moran and Paul Myler are producing along with Nunez.