Ben Stiller to Direct and Co-Star in Film Adaptation of THE CHAMPIONS Opposite Cate Blanchett
Ben Stiller is set to direct a film adaptation of The Champions, based on the 1960s British TV series. He will co-star opposite Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett, and each will produce through their own production companies.
Deadline reports the synopsis:
In The Champions, a plane carrying three UN agents crashes in the Himalayas. The agents aboard are rescued by an advanced civilization secretly living in Tibet who grant them enhanced intellectual and physical abilities. When the agents return to the outside world, they use their new superhuman powers to become Champions of Law, Order, and Justice.
Blanchett said of the project, and working with Stiller:
“Champions is a long forgotten gem that will excite a new generation in the same strange and magnificent way that the original series spoke to us. I’ve long wanted to work with Ben – the director and the actor. He is one of the most engaged and versatile directors working today. Anyone who can make both Zoolander and Escape at Dannemora is a creative force to be reckoned with.”
Stiller added:
“I’m a huge fan of Cate’s for a very long time. I’m hoping this project will help people to finally take her seriously as an actress.”
Ha! He’s hilarious, and I bet the two of them will have a blast working together. This sounds like an interesting premise, and it will be fun to see if they play it more comedic, or more like a superhero movie. We will keep you posted as more info about the film becomes available.