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The Hollywood Reporter has revealed that Kingsman‘s Matthew Vaughn will direct MGM’s adaptation of the Terry Hayes (Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Payback) novel I Am Pilgrim, with production scheduled to begin in 2016.
The story follows “Pilgrim,” code name for a man who doesn’t exist. The adopted son of a wealthy American family, he once headed up a secret espionage unit for U.S. intelligence. Now in anonymous retirement, he is called upon to lend his expertise to an unusual investigation but ultimately becomes caught in a terrifying race against time to save America from a cunning terrorist.
This likely means that both Kingsman 2 and Flash Gordon will be delayed definitely. MGM also pictures this as a potential franchise, so I’m curious if Matthew is committed to multiple sequels as well.
Random House actually had it’s author Terry Hayes write an op-ed about casting the film, and his choices included Daniel Day-Lewis and Brad Pitt, here’s his thoughts on the matter.
“For that reason – the ability to convey vulnerability and also to be clearly someone who is rooted in the real world — my two top choices would be Daniel Day-Lewis and Brad Pitt. Vastly different men, from entirely different backgrounds, but both incredibly talented and each a high-voltage movie star.
I watch Daniel Day-Lewis’s performances and often I ask myself, “is there anything this man couldn’t play?”
If there is, I haven’t been able to think of it. He would make a wonderful Pilgrim — cerebral, tough, complex and achingly human.
Brad Pitt? Sorry ladies, forget the good looks — I think there is a tremendous likeability to him. Who wouldn’t want to go on a remarkable and epic journey with him? Would you believe in his anguish, be willing to fight alongside him, to live vicariously through his triumphs and defeats? I certainly would.
Hence, those two actors would be my suggestions.”
How likely would MGM and Vaughn listen to Hayes’ suggestion? Well, Pitt just happens to have connects with Matthew Vaughn, as his Plan B produced both Kick-Ass installments, so there is a good chance they could approach him for the role.
My personally choice would be Viggo Mortensen, but having him agree to a franchise role these days is extremely unlikely.
SOURCE: HOLLYWOOD REPORTER