Focus Features Developing ‘X Crucior’ Musical Epic from Ron Mael and Russell Mael of the band Sparks

Focus Features is developing an original musical written and executive produced by Ron Mael and Russell Mael, the subjects of the studio’s 2021 documentary The Sparks Brothers. 

The logline is being kept under wraps for the musical epic. 

Focus’ Kiska Higgs will oversee production on behalf of the studio.

Released in Summer 2021 after its Sundance Film Festival debut, Edgar Wright’s documentary The Sparks Brothers takes audiences on a musical odyssey through five weird and wonderful decades with brothers/bandmates Ron Mael and Russell Mael celebrating the inspiring legacy of Sparks: your favorite band’s favorite band. Wright also produced the documentary with his producing partner Nira Park, though their company Complete Fiction Pictures, along with producers George Hencken, and Complete Fiction’s Laura Richardson. The film was financed by MRC Non-Fiction.

Ron Mael and Russell Mael previously wrote the original movie musical Annette, starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. The film, directed by Leos Caraxand released in North America by Amazon Studios, made its world premiere on opening night at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, and later went on to win five prestigious César Awards, including original score for Ron and Russell.

Sparks have recently completed their 27th studio album, which is slated to be released in 2023. The as-yet-untitled album follows on from 2020’s ‘A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip’ and the band’s soundtrack album to their 2021 musical film Annette. Sparks is planning a world tour to accompany the album’s release next year.