Shane Black to Direct DOC SAVAGE
Columbia Pictures went out and got themselves a great director to take on the adventures of Doc Savage. Shane Black is known for directing films such as Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang and writing Lethal Weapon, so the guy has got some skills creating fun action adventure films, which is exactly what Doc Savage is all about.
Savage is one of the most popular characters in the pulps of the 1930s and '40s, the character was also popularized on radio, film and TV. Trained since birth to be nearly superhuman in every way, Doc Savage uses his skills and powers to fight evil all over the world.
Here's a nice little description of the character
Doc Savage's real name was Clark Savage, Jr.. He was a physician, surgeon, scientist, adventurer, inventor, explorer, researcher, and a musician. A team of scientists assembled by his father deliberately trained his mind and body to near-superhuman abilities almost from birth, giving him great strength and endurance, a photographic memory, a mastery of the martial arts, and vast knowledge of the sciences. Doc is also a master of disguise and an excellent imitator of voices. "He rights wrongs and punishes evildoers." Dent described the hero as a mix of Sherlock Holmes' deductive abilities, Tarzan's outstanding physical abilities, Craig Kennedy's scientific education, and Abraham Lincoln's goodness. Dent described Doc Savage as manifesting "Christliness." Doc's character and world-view is displayed in his oath, which goes as follows:
Let me strive every moment of my life to make myself better and better, to the best of my ability, that all may profit by it. Let me think of the right and lend all my assistance to those who need it, with no regard for anything but justice. Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage. Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do. Let me do right to all, and wrong no man.
Doc Savage has everything it takes to be better than James Bond, Indiana Jones, Ethan Hunt, and every other adventure that has been brought to the big screen. There is such huge potential, it all comes down to if they cast the right actor and develop a strong script. Doc Savage could be the next big movie franchise, if it's executed properly.
I think Shane Black is a great choice to bring this franchise to life. The guy loves these pulp fiction stories, apparently he has a huge collection of them, and who better than to develop a film like this than a hardcore fan that wants to see it done right.
What do you think about Shane Black taking on Doc Savage?