Oscar-Winning director in talks to helm Angelina Jolie in THE TOURIST
After the casting switch-ups and director drop out for Spyglass' thriller The Tourist, it looks like things are getting back on track for a February production start!
German director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck(that's just one name... seriously) has emerged as the studio's top choice to helm the recently cast Angelina Jolie and the already in place Sam Worthington, in a script penned by Julian Fellowes rewritten by Christopher McQuarrie(Valkyrie).
Von Donnersmarck hasn't formally entered into negotiations yet to replace Bharat Nalluri. But if a deal is made, The Tourist would be the first film for von Donnersmarck since taking home an Academy Award for best foreign-language film, for his 2006 breakout The Lives of Others.
Jolie, who replaced Charlize Theron, is working to make The Tourist her next project amidst a list of several other offers, including Universal's Wanted 2. As we reported, Spyglass came to her weeks ago, but her participation hinged on finding the right director. Variety reports, that after meetings with several directors, von Donnersmarck was deemed that guy on Friday night.
Worthington(Terminator: Salvation/Avatar), replaced Tom Cruise months ago after Cruise opted out to star in Fox's Knight and Day.
A remake of the French thriller Anthony Zimmer(2005), The Tourist centers on a female Interpol agent(Jolie) who draws an unwitting American tourist(Worthington) into her attempt to locate a criminal who was once her lover.
Spyglass is producing in partnership with StudioCanal, with Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum and Jonathan Glickman producing.
The Tourist is gearing up for a 2011 release.
I haven't seen von Donnersmarck's The Lives of Others, but from the trailer it's hard to tell how well he'll be able to handle the action aspect of The Tourist. Check out the trailer for The Lives of Others, then watch the trailer for Anthony Zimmer, and let us know if you think he'll do a good job with the remake.