Marvel Directors Joe and Anthony Russo Will Oversee THE THOMAS CROWN AFFAIR and THE RATS OF NIMH for MGM
Avengers: Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo have made a deal with MGM to oversee a slate of new film projects the studio is developing, and it looks like many of them will be remakes.
Through their production company AGBO, they will co-develop, co-produce, and co-finance these upcoming projects. The first project that they will tackle is a reimagining of The Thomas Crown Affair with Michael B. Jordan. According to Deadline, the Russo Bros. could actually end up directing this movie, which would be cool. Matthew Michael Carnahan (Deepwater Horizon, World War Z, The Kingdom) has been haired to write a new draft of the script.
AGBO will also be developing a hybrid live action/animation version of The Rats of NIMH, which is based on the wonderful book series by author Robert C. O’Brien. Don Bluth made an animated film adaption of this story back 1982. This new version will be directed by James Madigan, a visual effects supervisor who helmed an episode of Runaways. This will be his feature film directorial debut.
In addition, AGBO Films will be involved with developing an original film called Hacienda, written by Aaron Berg (Section 6), and a new project from director Krysty Wilson-Cairns (1917, Last Night in Soho).
There are several other franchises at MGM that the Russos may end up being involved with such as James Bond, Rocky, RoboCop, The Pink Panther, The Hobbit, Legally Blonde, and 21 Jump Street. AGBO is currently in post-production on the mystery thriller 21 Bridges, which stars Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, and Taylor Kitsch:
When talking about the new partnership, Chris Brearton, MGM’s Chief Operating Officer, said:
“MGM is focused on partnering with Hollywood’s premiere talent to bring amazing stories to life. Our partnership with AGBO demonstrates MGM’s focus on creating alliances with today’s most innovative and premiere storytellers. Joe and Anthony’s track record speaks for itself and we look forward to working with their team to bring new and exciting projects to life on the big and small screens.”
Joe Russo added:
“This deal reflects the fundamental tenets upon which AGBO was built: a storytelling driven studio designed to develop and produce a complex array of narrative in an ever-evolving landscape. Artist ownership is primary to our agenda, and we’ll be serving as partners on every film. It’s also an amazing opportunity for AGBO to work with MGM, which owns one of the greatest libraries in the world.”
Well, I hope that the Russos will continue to create some great films over at MGM! They are obviously going to be taking a break from Marvel for awhile, but they’ll be back for Secret Wars when the studio decides to do it.
The Russos Bros.’ next film project is Cherry, which is based on the real life story life of a former soldier suffering from PTSD and opioid-addiction. He eventually becomes a bank robber. Tom Holland will star in that film.
What do you think about the Russo Bros.’ move to MGM?