Joey King, the talented Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe nominee, is reportedly in discussions to take the lead role in the forthcoming film “Bambo.” The film is written and directed by Natasha Lyonne, renowned for her creative work and recent accolades. While representatives for both parties have not provided comments on the deal, sources indicate that King is set to portray Sophie “Bambo” Braverman.
“Bambo” is an intriguing narrative set against the backdrop of the 1980s, chronicling the life of a Brooklyn-born boxing promoter who, in his endeavor to rise to prominence akin to the infamous Don King, encounters a myriad of challenges including tax evasion and the turbulence of lost dreams. The character of Gideon, the father, brings his daughter Sophie along for a rollercoaster of a journey infused with elements of cocaine, race cars, and heartbreak, earning her the nickname “Bambo,” derived from “Baby Rambo.”
Filming for “Bambo” is slated to commence this summer, with Lyonne overseeing the project through her production company, Animal Pictures, alongside a notable team including Max Ferguson, Craig Mazin, Jason Weinberg, and Sarah Sarandos.
King has garnered significant attention for her powerful performance as Gypsy Rose Blanchard in the Hulu series “The Act,” which earned her multiple nominations. Her notable projects also include appearances in Hulu’s “We Were the Lucky Ones” and Netflix’s “A Family Affair.” Fans can look forward to her upcoming role alongside Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock in “Practical Magic 2.” She is managed by WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
On the other hand, Lyonne is fresh off her nominations for a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for her work in Peacock’s “Poker Face.” She recently announced “Bambo” and is engaged in several projects, including the Sky comedy “Force & Majeure” and directing “Uncanny Valley,” produced by the hybrid AI studio she co-founded earlier this year. Lyonne continues to expand her repertoire, set to appear in the final season of HBO’s “Euphoria” and in Taika Waititi’s “Klara and the Sun.” Her representation includes Ocean Avenue and CAA.
With a talented cast and a compelling storyline, “Bambo” promises to be an exciting addition to both King and Lyonne’s impressive filmographies.