Another Euro comic has been optioned for an American movie, this time, Alexis Nolent and Colin Wilson’s HEADSHOT, or “Du plomb dans la tête,” as it is known in its native France. This is the third of Nolent’s BDs to be optioned by an American company, so he must either be a very hot property or have a great agent. The film will be produced by Alexandra Milchan and “Smallville” creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.
In “Headshot,” an unlikely alliance between a cop and a hitman takes place after each watches his partner die. The new partners seek revenge and discover they have a shared enemy and much in common despite being on opposite sides of the law.
Deal marks the second Nolent title for WB and Milchan. The studio is developing “Cyclops” as a directing vehicle for James Mangold, with Cathy Konrad producing with Milchan. Milchan also is producing an adaptation of Nolent’s “The Killer” at Paramount for David Fincher to direct.
• As you have probably heard by now, Oscar® nominee Don Cheadle has replaced Oscar® nominee Terrence Howard in the role of James “Rhodey/War Machine” Rhodes in Iron Man 2:
One scene featured Howard looking at a silver suit of armor and saying “Next time,” a line that caused great delight for fans.
But there will be no next time for Howard.
Marvel had no comment, but sources close to the deal said negotiations with Howard fell through over financial differences, among other reasons. Marvel, which had wanted to work with Cheadle, then decided to take the role in another direction and approached the actor, who is shooting Antoine Fuqua’s “Brooklyn’s Finest” with Richard Gere and Ethan Hawke.
Rhodes is expected to play a larger part in the sequel, which is rumored to go beyond high-tech villains. Justin Theroux is writing the screenplay.
Hm…Marvel’s legendary budget tightening appears again? Chances of a War Machine spin-off were definitely there for the popular movie, but Howard played hardball, and it fell through. Would we be stinky if we noted that Cheadle is a bit on the shortish side to wear a giant suit?
I don’t know, Heidi, would it be stinky of me to say Gwyneth Paltrow’s tits are too small to play Pepper Potts?
Sheesh.
Height is a non issue in shooting movies. Downey Jr. is like a head shorter than Gwyneth IRL and it sure didn’t seem like it in Iron Man. Just look at red carpet photos of them together.
That’s true, Downey pairs well with Cheadle…and both ar Oscar® nominees, the number one requisite for starring in a superhero movie these days!
It’s getting a bit weary to see all these Marvel movies “rebooting” and replacing cast members willy-nilly — Hulk, Punisher, and now Iron Man. You might be able to replace writers and illustrators with ease, but after a while, it’s nice to see the same actor play the character for at least a couple of films. Terrence Howard was just right for the role, and had a great rapport with Downey, Jr.
“A Lead in the Head”? This comic sounds interesting, and that cover art–if it’s any indication of the interior art–is gorgeous. Is the original French title available through Diamond?