Actor Timothée Chalamet and director James Mangold are teaming up once again for a gripping motocross heist film titled High Side, currently being prepared for auction. This project marks their second collaboration following the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, with Chalamet set to star as the lead in a tense crime drama involving high-speed bank robberies.
Plot Focuses on Former Racer Dragged Back into Danger
The film, developed with Chernin Entertainment, is inspired by an unpublished short story by Jaime Oliveira that blends elements of crime and extreme sports. Chalamet’s character, Billy, is a former professional motocross racer whose career ended abruptly due to a severe crash. Struggling with a complicated family legacy, including an addict father and a family garage, Billy is unexpectedly pulled into a life of crime by his estranged brother Cole.
Cole, who is already under FBI surveillance, convinces Billy to use his motocross skills to pull off bank robberies on superbikes. Together, they assemble an unlikely gang that includes a woman who becomes Billy’s romantic interest. Their robberies target small desert towns, carried out with speed and precision, while FBI agent Lennox closes in on the crew ahead of their largest heist planned to coincide with a major motorcycle parade.
Director James Mangold’s Experience with Crime and Racing Adds Depth
James Mangold’s familiarity with crime and racing themes bolsters the project’s potential impact. His previous work includes the crime thriller Cop Land and the acclaimed racing drama Ford v Ferrari, which explored the intense competition between Ford and Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans race. Mangold also once developed a New York Police thriller adaptation of Don Winslow’s novel The Force starring Matt Damon, underscoring his aptitude for layered narratives involving law enforcement and high-stakes pursuits.
The emergence of High Side could indicate that Mangold might deprioritize or step back from other projects such as the DC Studios reboot of Swamp Thing or his upcoming Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi film, which is said to explore the Jedi origins 25,000 years ago.
Chalamet’s Busy Schedule Reflects Rising Star Power
Timothée Chalamet is currently filming the third installment of Denis Villeneuve’s Dune series, adapting the second novel Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert. He also has the period sports comedy Marty Supreme by Josh Safdie lined up for release by A24 later this year. These commitments reflect Chalamet’s growing prominence in diverse and challenging roles.
Anticipated Industry Buzz and Auction Details
Though it remains uncertain which studio or streaming service will acquire High Side, industry observers anticipate a competitive bidding process due to the film’s compelling mix of action, drama, and star talent. As a packaged deal featuring notable creatives and a high-concept story, it is expected to attract strong interest and be swiftly picked up.
Synopsis Highlights Intense Emotional and Physical Stakes
The narrative centers on Billy, whose motocross career was cut short by a traumatic crash, leaving him burdened by family turmoil and responsibility. His older brother Cole returns after their father’s death, seeking Billy’s unique riding skills for a dangerous series of robberies. Their crew, marked by tension and unpredictable loyalty, targets small-town banks while being pursued relentlessly by the FBI.
The story’s climax revolves around a meticulously planned heist timed with a large motorcycle parade, raising the tension as law enforcement closes in and family conflicts complicate the mission.
“Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi” —Attributed to unnamed source regarding Mangold’s upcoming project
“Dune Messiah” —Attributed in reference to source material for Chalamet’s current filming
Potential Impact on Upcoming Projects and Industry Trends
If High Side moves forward as projected, it could signal a shift in James Mangold’s creative priorities, possibly sidelining other high-profile assignments. For Timothée Chalamet, this project would further establish his versatility, blending physical intensity and dramatic acting in a story pulsating with tension and risk.
The anticipated auction of High Side is likely to shape competitive studio dynamics, reflecting the growing appetite for crime thrillers that incorporate unique sporting elements. The film’s focus on familial conflict and extreme danger may resonate with audiences looking for both emotional depth and adrenaline-fueled action.
