Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: Wonderland Sound & Vision and Voltage Pictures are starting preproduction on A Many Splintered Thing, an offbeat film that will star Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan. Michelle Monaghan A Many Splintered Thing MovieChris Evans A Many Splintered Thing MovieThe film, which will begin production October 26, is called an “anti-romantic comedy,” and it marks the Captain America: The First Avenger star’s first film as executive producer. Justin Reardon will direct.

In the vein of Amelie and (500) Days Of Summer, the film tells the story of a young man disillusioned by love who meets a breathtaking young woman at a charity dinner by pretending to be a philanthropist. Turns out that she’s engaged to a guy who doesn’t like her going on dates. Challenged by the chase, and egged on by his eclectic friends, he feigns a platonic relationship in order to keep seeing her as he tries to conquer her heart. The film is being produced by Voltage’s Nicolas Chartier and Craig Flores and Wonderland’s McG and Mary Viola.

Voltage and Wonderland are currently casting the supporting roles. Wonderland initially optioned the Black List screenplay from Chris Shafer & Paul Vicknair last year. The screenplay was also a 2011 Nicholl Fellowship Finalist. Wonderland brought the project to Voltage to co-produce and finance. Voltage and Wonderland then attached commercials director Reardon. Voltage Pictures is handling foreign sales on the picture.

Evans recently starred in Marvel’s The Avengers and reprises in Captain America 2 in January. He is upcoming in The Iceman, which recently premiered at Venice and will play here at the Toronto Film Festival.

“With Reardon’s uniquely beautiful vision for the fantastical journey that these characters take, and Chris and Michelle’s intelligence and talent, there is no doubt that this film challenge audiences preconceived notions of a saccharine-laced romantic comedy,” said Flores.