In what appears to be a move to further expand his brand, Robert Pattinson has partnered with eBay to create a new film to be released on the online auction site. The Twilight actor will take the helm as both writer and director of a film that will pit housewares against luxury goods in a battle of good vs. tasteful.
When asked about the project by Variety, Pattinson replied, “I’m really excited to be making a film again. It’s been a while since I’ve done one, so I’m looking forward to getting back into it. It’s nice to have a creative challenge, and it’s great to be working with people who share the same creative passion.”
The film’s story explores consumerism and its societal impact through the lens of two very different product categories: kitchens and bedrooms. When a food critic is offered a choice of either a luxurious kitchen or a chic bistro, which would he prefer? Likewise, when it comes to bedrooms, which type of bed does he prefer: a soft grand piano or a sturdy walk-in closet?
Though the project is still in its early stages, Pattinson has already begun filming in London. A representative for the actor shared with Variety that the film is “set for release in early 2021,” and that principal photography will conclude in about eight weeks. As for the film’s budget, details are being kept tight but, according to the rep, it is “moderately priced.”
Why Beds and Kitchens?
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Pattinson elaborated on the choice of beds and kitchens as material for his next film: “I’ve always loved making films about food, and for this one, cooking has always been a passion of mine. It’s interesting to look at the way we interact with our homes: we start with the kitchen, which is the most basic of all, and work our way up. So it’s been fun to come back to basics and look at how these things work together.”
He continued: “I also love the idea of contrasting the two. You have this image of somebody sitting down to a luxurious dinner, but for me, food always comes first, so I want to make sure that the food is going to be good and that we’re all going to enjoy it. So there’s this whole other side to luxury that I want to explore.”
Is This a One-Off?
Asked about the possibility of a larger project with a narrative thread, Pattinson indicated that this may be the case. “I’ve been very blessed with the work that I have done,” he replied. “I have a good feeling about this one, but I do want to make sure that it’s going to be something different. However, I can’t say much more than that at the moment, but I do feel like there’s more to come.”
Pattinson’s representatives also shared with Variety that he has “received more than one offer” to star in a drama series. With projects like these in the pipeline, it seems like the actor is looking to further establish himself as a serious dramatic actor and prove that he is not just a pretty face.
So what do you think? Is this something you’d be interested in seeing? Do you like to cook or bake? What type of bed do you prefer: a walk-in closet or a hard-working nightstand? And which type of kitchen do you prefer: a traditional one with plenty of space above the countertop or a small galley style without all the frills?