Argo Films Boards Movie Adaptation Of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Star Johannes Radebe’s Memoir
EXCLUSIVE: Argo Films will coproduce the movie adaptation of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Johannes Radebe’s memoir ‘JoJo: Finally Home’.
Richard Johns’ Argo joins Anthony Kimble’s Arrested Industries and Helena Spring Films on production duty as work on the project ramps up.
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South African Radebe is a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing on the BBC in the UK and will feature in the upcoming season. His memoir is a UK bestseller and the paperback edition launches today. It recounts Redebe’s rags to ballroom tale.
Deadline revealed earlier this year the memoir was getting the movie treatment and that Radebe will choreograph dance numbers in the film. There is no news yet on who will play him on screen. The pic’s working title is Finally Home.
Johns brings years of producer experience to affairs. He launched Argo in 2022 and his first project under the banner was Academy Award-shortlisted The Shepherd for Disney+ and starring John Travolta. Argo will handle the UK-side production, while Helena Spring Films will focus on the filming in South Africa.
“Johannes’ story is so full of joy and life that I found the project completely irresistible and therefore couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Anthony and Helena on bringing this uplifting memoir to the screen,” Johns said. “They are an incredible pairing, used to working together, but have quickly made me feel welcome as part of the team.”
Kimble added: “Richard brings a huge amount of development and production experience to Finally Home, as well as natural warmth, sensitivity and humor – all traits that align with Johannes and that are important to shine through in this film. Helena and I are thoroughly enjoying our collaboration with Argo.”
Johns also runs the Promethean Pictures label, which he established with American director E. Elias Merhige (Shadow of the Vampire). Promethean is in pre-production on Howl, a live-action tale about a wolf and dog’s battle for survival that counts Dr Jane Goodall and Leonardo DiCaprio as executive producers.
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