Multiple sources have told,
The Hollywood Reporter, that a battle of biblical proportions are taking place between, Darren Aronofsky ("Pi") and Paramount Pictures, over the final edit of
Noah.
In recent weeks, the studio has held test screenings for key groups that might take a strong interest in the subject matter: in New York (for a largely Jewish audience), in Arizona (Christians) and in Orange County, Calif. (general public). All are said to have generated troubling reactions. But sources say Aronofsky has been resistant to Paramount's suggested changes. "Darren is not made for studio films," says a talent rep with ties to the project. "He's very dismissive. He doesn't care about [Paramount's] opinion."
With a flair for more artsy films, such as
The Wrestler and
Requiem for a Dream, and add in the fact that he dropped out of 20th Century Fox's
The Wolverine, it's not surprising that Darren Aronofsky having a conflict with Paramount over the big budget (over $125 million) movie based on the Bible story.
NOAH is a close adaptation of the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark. In a world ravaged by human sin, Noah is given a divine mission: to build an Ark to save creation from the coming flood. The screenplay was written by Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel and revised by Academy Award®-nominated screenwriter John Logan (GLADIATOR, HUGO). Scott Franklin and Aronofsky of Protozoa Pictures, along with Mary Parent of Disruption Entertainment, will produce the film. The film will be executive produced by Ari Handel (BLACK SWAN), Arnon Milchan of New Regency and Chris Brigham (INCEPTION, ARGO).
Noah is directed by Darren Aronofsky ("The Wrestler"), and stars Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Ray Winstone, Logan Lerman, Douglas Booth and Anthony Hopkins. It floods theaters March 28th, 2014.