The 1930s and 40s pulp fiction hero Doc Savage a.k.a. the Man in Bronze has remained a nostalgic icon – until now. Well, duh, Iron Man 3 director Shane Black is officially set to direct the big screen adaptation of Lester Dent's creation for Sony.
Black has already been developing the project for some time and the press release from Sony confirms that the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang director is eyeing Savage as his follow-up to Iron Man 3.
Black, who co-wrote the script with newcomers Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry back in 2010, had said,
It's my favorite manga. I was just struck by its unique and brilliant sensibility. What we want to do is take it back to that manga, and make it closer to what is so complex and truthful about the spirituality of the story, versus taking the concept and trying to copy it as an American thriller.
Check out the press announcement below:
CULVER CITY, Calif., May 7, 2013 –Sony Pictures Entertainment has closed its deal with Shane Black to co-write and direct Doc Savage, and Black is eyeing it as his next film, it was announced today by Doug Belgrad, president of Columbia Pictures, and Hannah Minghella, president of Production for the studio. Black co-wrote the screenplay with Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry, based on the hero of pulp novels, films, and comic books. Neal H. Moritz is producing the project with Ori Marmur through his Original Film banner. Michael Usland will also serve as a producer on the film.
Commenting on the announcement, Minghella said, “We couldn't be more excited to be building a franchise from the ground up with Shane and this team. Shane and Neal have a fantastic understanding of the character and a great take on the material and we can't wait to get this production up and running.”
One of the most popular characters of the pulps of the 1930s and 40s, Doc Savage was also popularized on radio, film and television. He is a scientist, physician, adventurer, inventor, explorer and researcher. He has been trained since birth to be nearly superhuman in every way, with outstanding strength, a photographic memory, and vast knowledge and intelligence. He uses his skills and powers to punish evil wherever in the world he finds it.
