The Cannes Film Festival rumors continue to increase after the Weinstein Company released the trailer to Nicolas Winding Refn's "Only God Forgives" and the MPAA rated Steve McQueen's "Twelve Years a Slave."
Refn's follow up to his critically acclaimed "Drive" reteams him with Ryan Gosling and also stars Kristen Scott Thomas. The film does not have an American release date but according to IMDB.com it is set for May 2013 in France. Therefore speculations of a Cannes debut have become even greater. Additionally Refn won the Best Director award for "Drive" at the festival and the selection committee always likes to bring back the same directors.
McQueen's film is also rumored to be part of the festival after the MPAA released a rating for "Twelve Years a Slave." The film was given an R rating for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality. The news comes off as a bit odd since the movie has six months until it opens in the U.S. The fact that it is already rated also signifies that "Slave" has already been completed. Like Refn, if "Twelve Years a Slave" is selected, it will also see McQueen return to the Festival after his directional debut "Hunger."
Refn last directed "Drive," "Bronson" and "Valhalla Rising." He is currently working on "Logan's Run."
McQueen last directed the controversial NC-17 film "Shame" with Michael Fassbender. "Twevle Years a Slave" marks his third film and third collaboration with Fassbender.
The festival just announced that Indian director Rajinikanth's upcoming film, "Kochadaiyaan" will screen at the Festival. It is also known that Warner Bros' "The Great Gatsby" will open Cannes.
The Cannes Film Festival will announce their official selection later this month and will run from May 15th to the 26th.