David O. Russell Shares Early First Look At Jennifer Lawrence In ‘Joy’

LAS VEGAS -- David O. Russell’s latest project, “Joy,” is still in production, but that didn’t stop the director from sharing a sneak peek of the drama — and speculated 2016 Oscar contender — at CinemaCon in Las Vegas Thursday. As part of 20th Century Fox’s 2015 slate presentation, Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos and Co-Chairman Stacey Snider premiered the teaser on behalf of Russell, giving exhibitors a look at Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of entrepreneur Joy Mangano.

In the teaser — which failed to include any dialogue — each main member of the cast was shown for a brief moment on screen, including Robert DeNiro, Bradley Cooper, Édgar Ramírez and, of course, Lawrence. Quick shots, accompanied by solemn instrumental music, showed the 24-year-old actress tearfully attending a funeral, using heavy machinery, picking up a child, standing in a prison cell, shooting a gun and eventually, filming on a set.

While little is known about Cooper’s role in the film, he did appear to be working on a set in two scenes. Perhaps he will be the catalyst that helps bring Lawrence’s character to stardom?

“Joy” will follow the life of Mangano, a struggling Long Island mother whose Miracle Map invention leads to the creation of a shopping-network TV empire. The film is currently in production in Boston.

The movie marks Lawrence’s third collaboration with Russell. The pair, alongside Cooper and DeNiro, worked together on “Silver Linings Playbook” and the 2013 hit, “American Hustle.”

While “Joy” was arguably one of the most anticipated sneak peeks of 20th Century Fox’s presentation Thursday, it wasn’t the only show-stopping moment. The studio also presented exclusive footage from “The Peanuts Movie,” Leonardo DiCaprio's latest project, “Revenant,” director Paul Feig’s “Spy” — which also included an onstage cameo from Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and the rest of the cast — “Poltergeist” and more.

“Joy” is scheduled to premiere in theaters Dec. 25.