Movies
MGM Has No Rules for Remaking ‘Poltergeist’
Recently freed from a crushing $4 billion debt, MGM’s new studio management in February told Hollywood’s talent agencies it was moving ahead with plans to reboot five movie franchises, including Steven Spielberg’s 1982 horror hit, Poltergeist. Now Vulture hears that the studio has offered Pulitzer-prize winning playwright cum screenwriter David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) the job of reimagining the paranormal classic.
Reached by Vulture, Lindsay-Abaire confirmed he’d been approached by MGM and offered the job, but emphasized that no deal had been reached and stressed that he was not yet even sure he wanted to take it.
The good news: Insiders tell the site that MGM has no creative parameters for a Poltergeist remake — it would be Lindsay-Abaire’s to shape in whatever fashion he chooses, should he want the job. Think Dawn of the Dead 2004.
The immediately revival comes a big late as the studio is just now recognizing that paranormal happenings are popular (i.e. Insidious and Paranormal Activity). They expect this to be a huge franchise. No word on if Vadim Perelman is still attached to direct.
Keith C. Blackmore’s book series Mountain Man is headed to the screen, with Deadline reporting today that Joe Manganiello (“True Blood”) is on board to star in the film adaptation.
The actor will also produce the upcoming zombie movie.
“Mountain Man tells the story of Gus, a lonely post-apocalyptic survivor facing isolation and the ever-present specter of a zombie attack, who struggles with alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts until he discovers another survivor, a captivating woman who poses another threat altogether.”
John Lee (False Positive) will direct Mountain Man from a script by Matt Deller.
“John is a brilliant creative mind. We’ve been looking for the right thing to do together since we filmed Pee Wee’s Big Holiday and it’s finally here,” 3:59’s Joe and Nick Manganiello told Deadline. “Very excited to get to work on such weird, wild project with him.”
Film Bridge International is launching sales on the project in Cannes.
Blackmore’s Mountain Man series features 7 books, the first one published in 2011.
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