Last week we reported that “Lunatic At Large,” a treatment originally written for Stanley Kubrick and once considered lost, was in production with Scarlett Johansson and Sam Rockwell attached to star. Now, two more projects formerly pegged for the late director have been given the green light.
“Downslope” and “God Fearing Man” join “Lunatic At Large” in receiving a new shot at life thanks to Philco Films, but don’t be surprised if you’re getting a feeling of deja vu. All three projects have been in the works for years, after Kubrick’s son-in-law, producer and archivist Philip Hobbs uncovered manuscripts after the director’s death in 1999. However, it appears that the projects have only now received some kind of official backing and seem ready to move forward.
“Downslope” “will be a massive $100m project set during the American Civil War following the activities of Mosby’s Rangers involving spies and hanging on both sides of the war.” The project, also described as “a strong anti-war film set against the backdrop of that conflict” was written by Kubrick himself based on a short story by Civil War historian Shelby Foote. The expensive production is already seeking A-list directors and actors and hopes to shoot in Europe next year.
As for “God Fearing Man” it also is based on Kubrick script but will fashioned into a TV series. The concept is based on the true story of a priest, Herbert Emerson Wilson, who became the biggest bank robber in America in the early 20th century. Again, directors and cast are being sought, with a European shoot in mind, most likely in Germany due to tax breaks.
And, as we mentioned, “Lunatic At Large,” is also in the works, though where it ends up shooting — U.S. or Europe — will largely depend on where financing comes from, though there is interest on both sides of the ocean. The project has been described as “a wild and crazy Kerouac style adventure,” and “a dark and surprising mystery” about which person among a group is “the true escapee from a nearby mental hospital.”
Brit screenwriter Stephen R. Clarke has been tapped to adapt all three screenplays and it remains unclear or closely (or not) they will follow Kubrick’s original treatments.
Given that these projects have been started and stopped at various times over the years, with producers coming and going, we’re keeping our expectations at bay. “Lunatic At Large” seems to be the most likely project to happen, with some decent talent already attached to the lead roles. We frankly don’t see $100 million for “Downslope” coming together in this climate, unless it attracts one helluva of a director and cast. Civil War movies aren’t a particularly profitable genre; does anyone even remember “Gods & Generals”? Didn’t think so. However, “God Fearing Man” does seem like a strong candidate for a TV series and the concept sounds like something we would find on HBO or Showtime. We could see it coming together.