The film follows picture-perfect couple Theo (Cumberbatch) and Ivy (Colman), who have successful careers, great kids and an enviable sex life. But underneath the façade of the perfect family is a tinderbox of competition and resentment that’s ignited when Theo’s professional dreams come crashing down. 

"‘The Roses’ is a wildly funny, bigger than life, and yet deeply human story”, said Searchlight president Matthew Greenfield announcing the project. “With Jay at the helm, and Benedict and Olivia and Tony, we have a dream team bringing it to life”.

Benedict Cumberbatch will produce under his SunnyMarch banner with Leah Clarke and Adam Ackland, who have been in development on the project since 2017. Olivia Colman will also produce under her South of the River banner with Ed Sinclair and Tom Carver, along with Roach and Michelle Graham.

“We are thrilled to be working on this very special film with such an incredible team,” said SunnyMarch’s Ackland. “We have been long admirers of Jay’s work and his vision and passion to tell this story is incredibly inspiring.”

South of the River’s Colman and Sinclair said, “We have been cooking this up with our friends at SunnyMarch for some time, and it has been an absolute thrill to see it spring into life under Jay’s passionate and thoughtful guidance. He and Tony are a match made in cinematic comedy heaven.”

Jonathan R. Adler and Michael Adler, from Adler Entertainment Trust, are executive producing. “The War of the Roses” will mark their first project under a two-year first-look deal signed between Adler Entertainment Trust and Searchlight Pictures.

“Working with our partners at Searchlight Pictures in this reimagining of the classic movie is a dream come true,” said Jonathan R. Adler. “We are delighted to continue the legacy of our father’s brilliant work and introduce ‘The War of the Roses’ to a new generation.”