Kilmer has signed on to star in 1st Born, a comedy from Iranian director Ali Atshani. The project centers on a newly married couple newlywed couple, Iranian-born Ben and his American Kate, who are living in California. When the couple’s first pregnancy faces complications, both sides of their family must come together — a rather complicated notion as Ben’s father Hamid is anti-American Iranian politician, while Kate’s father Biden (played by Kilmer) is an American politician who takes a hardline stance against Iran.
1st Born is notable for being the first joint feature film co-production between Iran and Hollywood, using a cast and crew from both the U.S. and the Middle East.
Kilmer is known for roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, Heat,Tombstone and other hits. Atshani has established himself as a top filmmaker in Iran, helming films such as The President’s Cellphone, Wish Bone, Banana Peel, Mr. Alef and Negar’s Role. His 2016 film Paradise was a co-production between Iran and Germany.
LA Independent Film and Entertainment, based in Hollywood, will produce. Sam Khoze is producing with a team including producer Edwin Avaness and associate producer in Iran Pourya Naserbakht. Sam Khoze, Tarek Zohdy and Medhi Alimirzayi wrote the script.
Filming will begin in Los Angeles In August., with other cast members set to join shortly.
Source: Hollywood Reporter