Jean-Claude Carriere adapted the screenplay for the film based on Sandor Marai's Hungarian novel. The story revolves around two older men who used to be best friends that wind up meeting 41 years after their relationship had diminished.

Robert and Michael Haggiag, producers on the project, along with executive producer Michael Hausman, are still working with CAA to put together financing and distribution on the film, which had been slated to start production in October, although that date is now not set in stone. With Connery's departure, the film may not begin shooting until sometime next year.

Connery's agents did not offer a reason for his departure. The former 007, who won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in The Untouchables, was most recently seen on the big screen in 20th Century Fox's The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.