There’s been a lot of questions about whether Will Ferrell collaborator and director Adam McKay (“Step Brothers” “Talladega Nights”) would helm a live-action adaptation of Garth Ennis’ comic book, “The Boys” for Sony. McKay’s discussed the potential project a lot of late, but has always said he was still considering whether to make it or not.
But last night in San Diego during the panel for “The Other Guys” starring Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, the comedic filmmaker said he’s on board. “As of today, I’m directing ” he said.
The comic is a hero satire and focuses on a secret CIA group whose mission is to keep tabs on, and sometimes violently punish, out-of-control superheroes. Producer Neal Moritz (“The Green Hornet,” “Battle: Los Angeles”) told us yesterday that the film would be an “R-rated movie. But I wouldn’t say it’s going to be a movie with blood splattering all over everyone all the time.”
Moritz also told us he wasn’t concerned about the film adaptation falling on deaf ears like the violent and geek niche-centric “Kick Ass” film did earlier this year.
“I really enjoyed ‘Kick-Ass’ and I thought Matthew Vaughn did a great job,” he said. “But I don’t know if that was the most mainstream version of the movie. I liked the movie and people I know liked it. The hard part is making these movies not to go to a very small, comic book fan base, but trying to broaden it out. And that’s what we’re trying to do with ‘Green Hornet.’ “
Illustrated by Darick Robertson, there’s no word when this one will go into development. Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi are the screenwriters listed on IMDB pro. They’re also writing “R.I.P.D” starring Ryan Reynolds which is another Moritz-produced movie currently in development. – Reporting by Drew Morton