Schuyler Weiss on Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Joan of Arc,’ Art vs. Commerce & Hugh Jackman Karaoke
Schuyler Weiss, the Oscar-nominated producer behind Elvis and The Great Gatsby, knows blockbuster filmmaking isn’t just about art—it’s a high-wire act between creativity and commerce. In an exclusive interview, Weiss pulls back the curtain on his collaboration with Baz Luhrmann, their long-gestating Joan of Arc epic, and the time Hugh Jackman dragged him into an unforgettable karaoke showdown.
Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Joan of Arc’: A ‘Visceral, Divine Madness’
Weiss calls Luhrmann’s take on the French warrior saint “anything but a dusty history lesson.” After years in development, the film is finally moving forward, with Luhrmann’s signature hyper-stylized approach.
“Baz doesn’t just retell stories—he resurrects them,” Weiss says. “Joan of Arc will be raw, emotional, and borderline psychedelic. Imagine her visions brought to life with the same energy as Moulin Rouge!’s musical numbers.”
Rumors swirl about an unconventional lead (Weiss hints it’s “a star you’d never expect”), but he stays coy: “Baz loves defying expectations. Just wait.”
The Producer’s Dilemma: Art, Budgets, and Studio Realities
Weiss admits even Elvis faced tough choices: “Do you trim a surreal dream sequence to save $2M? Maybe. But you fight to keep the soul intact.” His strategy?
- Collaborate, Don’t Clash: “Studio execs aren’t boogeymen. Align on the goal: a hit that doesn’t compromise the director’s voice.”
- Trust the Vision: “Baz predicted Elvis nostalgia before the TikTok revival. My job? Shield that instinct while tracking every dollar.”
That Time Hugh Jackman Made Him Sing ‘Sweet Caroline’
Weiss spills on a pre-Greatest Showman karaoke night in Sydney:
“Hugh owns ‘Summer Nights.’ Me? I butchered Neil Diamond so badly, the crowd cheered out of pity. But hey—when Wolverine demands duets, you comply.”
What’s Next?
Between Joan of Arc and undisclosed projects, Weiss stays driven by “stories that punch you in the gut.” His advice? “Take risks. And if Jackman invites you to sing, say yes—then lip-sync.”
