With the flurry of “The Hunger Games” casting going on in the last few weeks, director Gary Ross is almost set to start filming what seems to be one of the most eagerly-anticipated films of next year, at least to its vociferous fanbase. As long as it succeeds (and, financially, it probably will), Ross will be set to take on any project he wants. According to THR, that film will be a contemporary retelling of the Cyrano de Bergerac legend, in which a plain man must seduce his love for a more handsome and richer man. In the kind of move that we’re staggered hasn’t yet happened, his version would utilize all the social media tools of today in order to provide a modern spin.
Though the initial idea came from Ross, he’s set to pitch with John Whittington as writer and to team with Color Force, the production company owned by Nina Jacobson, also behind Ross’ “Hunger Games” adaptation. Whittington, though not a household name, has one Black List screenplay to his name, “I Hope We Can Still Be Friends,” about a couple who break up and try to stay friendly. The trio look to set up the film at New Regency with Ross’ producing partner Allison Thomas lending a hand and Bryan Unkeless overseeing for Color Force.
Of course, this is by no means the first time the tale’s made it to the screen: there’ve been over a dozen adaptations on film and TV, with the earliest coming in 1900, not to mention the more loose adaptations, like Steve Martin‘s “Roxanne,” and “The Truth About Cats and Dogs” — with this film seemingly falling closer to the latter.
Ross has a long time before “Hunger Games” madness is over in March 2012, so let’s hope this project doesn’t fall apart for more lucrative offers in the future.