Movie News

Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Adam Driver are dialing things way back -- to the 1300s, that is -- for their next film. The trio are on the set of Ridley Scott's next period drama, "The Last Duel," in Sarlat, France. The film -- set in Medieval times -- stars Matt and Adam playing real-life knights and best friends, Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris. You 'memba them, right? The revenge thriller has a pretty insane storyline ... after Jean returns from the war, he accuses Jacques of raping his wife. Jean turns to King Charles VI to do something about it and he orders a duel to the death. It's a double whammy for Jean because if he loses, not only is he a goner but his wife will also be burned to death. Ben, rocking a blonde 'do, plays a supporting role in the film, which is expected to come out in late 2020 or early 2021. He was initially set to play the role of Jacques before Adam joined the cast. This is also the first time Ben and Matt are working together on a film since 2004's "Jersey Girl." If that's less than encouraging ... the BFFs co-wrote this script -- along with Nicole Holofcener. It's their first time doing that since their 1998 Oscar winner, "Good Will Hunting." How do you like them apples? (TMZ)

The coronavirus is slowing just about every industry due to increased fears of a worldwide outbreak, but foreign moviemakers are pushing ahead in America ... full steam. TMZ spoke with multiple film commission offices, from coast-to-coast in the U.S., and all were on the same page about how they're handling overseas productions/companies from countries like China and S. Korea. Despite hot zones in both places -- and others in Europe and the Middle East -- we were told it's no problemo for any of them to shoot on American soil. We asked the L.A., NYC and New Orleans offices if coronavirus is making 'em think twice about issuing permits to some of these companies and/or films, and they all said they haven't changed policies. At least, not yet. Worth noting, Georgia is home to countless film productions too -- and we've reached out to its Department of Economic Development, but haven't heard back. Of course, Uncle Sam hasn't issued a blanket flying ban from countries heavily affected by coronavirus, even though some major airlines have partially halted travel ... something President Trump touted Wednesday evening. Bottom line for the film industry ... if you can get here, you can still yell "action" on American movie sets. So ... come one, come all. Just bring a mask with your cameras and lights, please. (TMZ)

China's presence will be noticeably absent at CinemaCon 2020 in Las Vegas ... after 2 dozen Chinese movie theater owners canceled travel plans due to the coronavirus. A spokesman for the National Association of Theater Owners tells TMZ ... the delegation pulled out of the event following travel restrictions imposed on them amid the ever-spreading coronavirus. Organizers for the event -- slated to run from March 30 to April 2 at Caesars Palace -- say "our plan going forward should be based on logical risk assessments and advice from health officials, and not from fear." CinemaCon, a gathering of theater owners and major studios, says it will remain in contact with the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control to stay on top of the situation. It's also in contact with local officials to coordinate all appropriate safety procedures. There had been buzz building this week the event might be canceled but it's full steam ahead ... with the trade show reporting it's a 99% sellout. The program's fully scheduled too ... with Disney, Paramount, Universal and Warner Bros., among others, still confirmed to attend. Male attendees might wanna do a facial hair check before hitting the Vegas strip. (TMZ)

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