How Lorene Scafaria’s ‘Hustlers’ turned a tabloid stripper drama into an ode to female empowerment

To quote a timeless Janet Jackson jam, as “Hustlers” does in its opening seconds, this true crime stripper drama is a story about control. Producer Adam McKay, whose company Gloria Sanchez Productions developed the project, she said, was supportive of her bid: “He said, ‘I hope Scorsese passes.’” Scafaria eventually won the job and helped convince execs it was a story people wanted to see. “Hustlers” director Lorene Scafaria says of assembling her star-studded cast, “Getting everybody in the same room was the true miracle.” With the green light, she amassed one of this year’s deepest squads of women onscreen and behind the camera to make “Hustlers” into reality. “‘Hustlers’ is not really about the men.” The actual Destiny that Wu drew from for her “Hustlers” role isn’t named Dorothy. We put that thought into how to cover a scene: Who was in control and how much are they in control of us?” Movies Watch the new ‘Hustlers’ trailer with Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu The new “Hustlers” trailer is here, giving you a preview of Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Lizzo and Cardi B in action in the hotly anticipated film.