Adaptation of Heinlein's 'Jonathan Hoag' in works
The sci-fi saturation of the cinema biz shows little polarity of lull. The latest project is a Phoenix Pictures feature film based on a Robert Heinlein novela and written and directed by Alex Proyas.
Phoenix principals Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer and Brad Fischer volition produce the adaptation of "The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag," which they describe as a building complex psychological thriller with plenty of action as easily as some love interest. A statute title change is likely.
The contend with the "I, Robot" helmer closed several weeks ago, and the protrude will likely shoot after the Greek-born, Aussie-raised Proyas finishes "Knowing" for Summit.
Vince Gerardis, world Health Organization reps the Heinlein estate and brought the cast to Fischer, will administrator produce along with Ralph Vicinanza. The budget will be in the $40 million-$50 million range.
Originally promulgated in 1942, the offbeat tale centers on a man wHO becomes progressively disturbed when he realizes he cannot account for his activities during the day, or even what he does for a living. He divulges his problem to the husband-and-wife partners of a secret detective agency, and their investigation leads to a series of revelations they could never have fathomed.
"I read this write up as a kid, and it rattling stayed with me," Proyas said. "It's part of my creative DNA."
Phoenix co-president of production Fischer described the project as "cool and original," and pointed out that Heinlein, who wrote about 30 novels and twice as many short stories, still is a pre-eminent picture of sci-fi literature 20 years afterwards his dying. His "Starship Troopers" was made into a 1997 movie that grossed $120 million global and "Stranger in a Strange Land" became a counterculture classical tome in the '60s.
The deal first Baron Marks of Broughton another object lesson, following David Fincher's "Zodiac," of Phoenix's strategy of internally development and promotion big films with important directors. Next up for the caller is Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island," which toplines Leonardo DiCaprio and is in postproduction for Paramount; the Mikael Hafstrom-helmer John Cusack starrer "Shanghai" for the Weinstein Co.; and a revamped "Robocop" for MGM, which Darren Aronofsky volition direct from David Self's script.
Proyas is in post on "Knowing" and is connected to direct the Universal project "Dracula Year Zero." Presumably, the Heinlein project will lense in 2010.
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