A new musical from the minds of Ron and Russell Mael—aka Sparks—is in the works, as Deadline points out. Today, Focus Features announced the development of X Crucior, an original musical epic penned by the Mael brothers, who are also serving as executive producers.
Focus Features recently distributed Edgar Wright’s 2021 documentary The Sparks Brothers. A director has not yet been attached to X Crucior, however Focus Features’ Kiska Higgs will oversee production on the studio’s behalf.
X Crucior will not be the Mael’s first screenwriting venture; they penned the script and composed the score for last year’s Leos Carax-directed musical Annette, which starred Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard. The Maels also appeared in the film.
Sparks issued their most recent studio album, A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip, in 2020. They wrapped up a North American tour behind the LP in April. Sparks recently completed a follow-up to their 2020 full-length, which is slated for release in 2023, according to a press release for X Crucior on Focus Features’ website.
