While reports of the supposed editing room battles between screenwriter Alex Garland and “Dredd” director Pete Travis made headlines, the pair downplayed those differences, but something must have happened. Whatever it was, Garland will now get to call his own shots, as the “28 Days Later” and “Never Let Me Go” writer is now getting ready to direct.
THR reports that Garland will take the helm of “Ex Machina.” Not surprisingly, he also penned the script. It will tell the story of a billionaire programmer, who picks a young employee to help him test out an AI driven, female robot on his estate. Of course, there is likely something much more going on, but thus far it sounds like a tight, contained little picture. “The Most Dangerous Game” with robots? Indeed, the budget on this one is only $15 million so we’re certainly curious what kind of story Garland has put together, particularly as it’s one he wants to direct himself.
Financing is coming together and, should all go according to plan, cameras will roll later this summer or early fall.