Friday, June 12, 2009

Predators Joins Long List of Big-Screen Remakes

Neil Marshall is in the running to direct, Rodriguez to produce

BY EMIL TIEDEMANN

According to bloody-disgusting.com Neil Marshall (The Descent, Doomsday) is in talks with 20th Century Fox to direct the "reboot" of the Predator film series, which is tentively titled Predators. The movie will be produced by Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Death Proof) and his own Trouble Maker Studios.

Although no one has signed on the dotted line yet, the 39-year-old Marshall (pictured right) is apparently "getting closer" to finalizing a deal with Fox, which is looking to premiere the Predators update in theatres by July 2010. As for a screenwriter, newcomer Alex Litvak is reportedly up for the task. His previous credits include co-producing The Hunting Party, a 2007 Croatian film.

The 1987 original, Predator, was helmed by John McTiernan and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Carl Weathers. The sci-fi horror film was a major success during the year, grossing more than $98 million worldwide and inspiring a 1990 sequel. The series saw a revival when, in 2004, Fox launched Alien vs. Predator, which was succeeded by Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007).

Christened as "a bold new chapter in the Predator universe," the fifth film in the franchise has often been referred to as a "reboot," but sources claim it's actually a sequel to the original series. No cast has been announced yet, though there are rumours that former WWE wrestler John Cena will play Major Dutch, a role made famous by Schwarzenegger.

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