THE rise and fall of office-sharing company WeWork has been turned into a television series with Oscar winners Anne Hathaway and Jared Leto at the helm.
"WeCrashed," an eight-part limited series about founders Rebekah and Adam Neumann, will begin streaming on Apple TV + on Friday. The show details the couple’s love story, successes and mistakes.
In 2019, when WeWork first tried to launch an initial public offering with Adam Neumann as chief executive, the proposed share sale imploded spectacularly after investors balked at the company's hefty losses, Neumann's management style and WeWork's corporate governance lapses.
Leto stepped into the role of Adam Neumann, an Israeli businessman, after filming "House of Gucci," about the famous fashion family, and said the transition was challenging.
"Big characters, very, very different characters," Leto said. "Just starting with the accents alone. There was a lot to learn."
Part of that learning process was a secret meeting with Adam Neumann that was set up without the knowledge of the filmmakers, where Leto offered the businessman advice.
"I said to him, ‘don't ever watch it.’ And which I stand by, you know, I mean, there's no really no – he… first of all, he lived it, why, why, why live through it again? But it's so subjective and a piece like this."
Hathaway portrays Rebekah Neumann and said she was careful not to "drag" or "judge" her.
"These are human beings that we're talking about, and to put ourselves in a position of superiority to me is missing the point," she said. "This is an opportunity to understand people."
Both Leto and Hathaway said they wanted the story to be fair.
"It was important for me not to just be part of a takedown piece, but to really examine the humanity, the complexity of these people," Leto said.
Reuters
Fri Mar 18 2022
Hathaway portrays Rebekah Neumann and said she was careful not to "drag" or "judge" her. - ETX Studio
Israel PM Netanyahu says peace with Saudi Arabia is achievable
I think peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only feasible, I think it's going to happen, says Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump says UN has to 'get its act together,' UN pushes back
US President Donald Trump criticises the United Nations as "not being well run".
Police use latest tech to assist in renewed investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's case
Police says the technology could produce a clearer picture of the location where Teoh Beng Hock was found dead 15 years ago digitally.
Family of American killed on Malaysian Airlines flight can sue Russian bank, US court rules
The flight was shot down over DPR-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine by a surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people on board.
FLOODCOM: M'sia's first floating flood disaster command centre using nuclear technology
The floating flood disaster command centre incorporates nuclear technology to accelerate emergency response and coordination during floods.
Saudi Arabia says it won't establish ties with Israel without creation of Palestinian state
Saudi Crown Prince affirms kingdom's stance in a "clear, explicit manner" with no room for interpretation, says foreign ministry.
What are five new critical metal exports restricted by China?
China announced sweeping export restrictions targeting five metals used across defence, clean energy and other industries.
Trump, in shock announcement, says US wants to take over Gaza Strip
The US will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it too, says US President Donald Trump.
Air Busan to disallow power banks in overhead bins after plane fire
Any power banks should be kept with passengers so any overheating, smoke or fire can quickly be spotted and dealt with.
Can the US Congress intervene on Trump's tariffs?
The US Constitution gave Congress tariff powers, but for 70 years, it has passed laws shifting that authority to the president.
Trump proposes permanent displacement of Gazans with Netanyahu at White House
Trump repeated his call for Jordan, Egypt and other Arab states to take in Gazans.
Sweden's deadliest attack leaves 10 dead at Orebro adult school
Police said the gunman was believed to be among those killed.
Suggesting MCA's removal from BN is 'daydreaming' - Ahmad Zahid
Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasised that the coalition has never discussed removing MCA.
Five people shot in attack at Swedish school, police say
The shooting took place in a campus area where several schools are located.
50 per cent toll discount to be implemented during all festive seasons this year - Nanta
Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi says this measure would reduce the costs borne by the government in compensating highway concessionaires.
China launches antitrust probe into Google
China's State Administration for Market Regulation launches an antitrust investigation against Google over suspected violations.
Arab nations oppose removing Palestinians from Gaza in letter to US
Reconstruction in Gaza should be through direct engagement with and participation of the people of Gaza, the letter said.
Trump orders creation of US sovereign wealth fund, says it could buy TikTok
If created, the sovereign wealth fund could place the US alongside numerous other countries, particularly in the Middle East and Asia.
Hundreds flee Santorini as quakes disrupt life
Hundreds of quakes registered every few minutes between the volcanic islands of Santorini and Amorgos in the Aegean Sea.
Investigators probe Washington plane crash wreckage and flight logs
The salvage team recovers part of the fuselage and right engine and the Black Hawk will be retrieved after the plane is fully recovered.