Promised Land is an upcoming Focus Features' contemporary drama written by Matt Damon and John Krasinski, and the good thing is that production on the whole thing has finally begun!
As we previously reported, this was meant to be Damon's directorial debut, but unfortunately (or fortunately) Gus Van Sant is now on board to direct it.
So, Damon is on board to play character named Steve Butler, a corporate salesman who arrives in a rural town with his sales partner, Sue Thomason, played by Frances McDormand.
With the town having been hit hard by the economic decline of recent years, the two outsiders see the local citizens as likely to accept their company's offer, for drilling rights to their properties, as much-needed relief.
What seems like an easy job for the duo becomes complicated by the objection of a respected schoolteacher with support from a grassroots campaign led by another man who counters Steve both personally and professionally.
Beside Damon and McDormand, the rest of the cast includes John Krasinski, Rosemarie DeWitt, Hal Holbrook, Scoot McNairy and Titus Welliver.
Filming on Promised Land begins this week in Pennsylvania for release next winter.
