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http://www.slashfilm.com/2009/12/15...s-brad-pitt-and-george-clooney-in-the-rumors/
Another international phenomenon is about to get a US remake, probably before youve even had a chance to catch the original. Doesnt mean the Stateside do-over isnt sounding tasty, though
The biggest crowd pleaser at this years Frightfest was the English speaking worlds premiere of a smart, pointed thriller in the Silence of the Lambs vein, though with added politics. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is an adaptation of the first book in Stieg Larssons worldwide smash novel trilogy Millennium, known as Män som hatar kvinnor in its native Sweden - a title that would translate literally as Men Who Hate Women. Its a rather apt title.
The deal for US adaptations of the book series is closing now, with Sony reported to be tying up the last loose ends of some rather complex negotiations. Things have apparently been slower than with normal rights negotiations, largely due to the sudden death of Larsson shortly before the publication of the first novel, and the ensuing entanglements when it became clear that he had neither married his common law wife or left a will; and partly due to the existence of the Swedish film versions.
Linked to the project are screenwriter Steve Zaillian and producer Scott Rudin. Thats a real power player duo and they give the project a genuine whiff of Oscar even before a single word has been scripted.
Back when we first commented on a possible US remake, Russ passed on news that Brad Pitt and Quentin Tarantino were supposedly interested in snapping up the rights. Anne Thompson now tells us that Tarantinos agent has issued a denial, which is a great shame. She doesnt mention Pitt, but does say that George Clooney has been rumoured as an interested party along the way. Hed make great casting for Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Bloom in the US?), the male lead of the series.
The female lead, Lisbeth Salender, is the series most powerful weapon and would be a highly prized role for any actresses in range. In the Swedish films shes played by Noomi Rapace, pictured at the head of the post, in a true starmaker of a turn. Dont be surprised if she crosses over to have an American career - heck, she could even end up reprising the role she originated in the Swedish films for these remakes. Anne Thompson suggests Ellen Page, Kristen Stewart or Natalie Portman but I can only really see Page nailing it as already written. Who knows what Zaillian will turn Lisbeth into, though?
Heres a mini-review from my Frightfest roundup showing just what Rudin and Zaillian would have to live up to, or for that matter straighten out:
The Swedish version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo hits US cinemas in March. Expect to see it on a lot of Years Best lists this time next year.
Another international phenomenon is about to get a US remake, probably before youve even had a chance to catch the original. Doesnt mean the Stateside do-over isnt sounding tasty, though
The biggest crowd pleaser at this years Frightfest was the English speaking worlds premiere of a smart, pointed thriller in the Silence of the Lambs vein, though with added politics. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is an adaptation of the first book in Stieg Larssons worldwide smash novel trilogy Millennium, known as Män som hatar kvinnor in its native Sweden - a title that would translate literally as Men Who Hate Women. Its a rather apt title.
The deal for US adaptations of the book series is closing now, with Sony reported to be tying up the last loose ends of some rather complex negotiations. Things have apparently been slower than with normal rights negotiations, largely due to the sudden death of Larsson shortly before the publication of the first novel, and the ensuing entanglements when it became clear that he had neither married his common law wife or left a will; and partly due to the existence of the Swedish film versions.
Linked to the project are screenwriter Steve Zaillian and producer Scott Rudin. Thats a real power player duo and they give the project a genuine whiff of Oscar even before a single word has been scripted.
Back when we first commented on a possible US remake, Russ passed on news that Brad Pitt and Quentin Tarantino were supposedly interested in snapping up the rights. Anne Thompson now tells us that Tarantinos agent has issued a denial, which is a great shame. She doesnt mention Pitt, but does say that George Clooney has been rumoured as an interested party along the way. Hed make great casting for Mikael Blomkvist (Michael Bloom in the US?), the male lead of the series.
The female lead, Lisbeth Salender, is the series most powerful weapon and would be a highly prized role for any actresses in range. In the Swedish films shes played by Noomi Rapace, pictured at the head of the post, in a true starmaker of a turn. Dont be surprised if she crosses over to have an American career - heck, she could even end up reprising the role she originated in the Swedish films for these remakes. Anne Thompson suggests Ellen Page, Kristen Stewart or Natalie Portman but I can only really see Page nailing it as already written. Who knows what Zaillian will turn Lisbeth into, though?
Heres a mini-review from my Frightfest roundup showing just what Rudin and Zaillian would have to live up to, or for that matter straighten out:
The Swedish version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo hits US cinemas in March. Expect to see it on a lot of Years Best lists this time next year.
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