Proyas bringing Heinlein story to big screen
The sci-fi saturation of the film business shows little sign of letup. The latest project is a feature based on a Robert Heinlein novela and written and directed by Alex Proyas.
Phoenix Pictures principals Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer and Brad Fischer will produce the adaptation of “The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag,” which they describe as a complex psychological thriller with plenty of action as well as some love interest. A title change is likely.
The deal with the “I, Robot” helmer closed several weeks ago, and the project will likely shoot after the Greek-born, Aussie-raised Proyas finishes the Nicolas Cage-starring thriller “Knowing” for Summit.
Originally published in 1942, the offbeat tale centers on a man who becomes increasingly disturbed when he realizes he cannot account for his activities during the day, or even explain what he does for a living. He divulges his problem to the husband-and-wife partners of a private detective agency, and their investigation leads to a series of revelations they could never have fathomed.
“I read this story as a kid, and it really stayed with me,” Proyas said. “It’s part of my creative DNA.”
Phoenix co-president of production Fischer noted that Heinlein, who wrote about 30 novels and twice as many short stories, still is a pre-eminent icon of sci-fi literature 20 years after his death. His “Starship Troopers” was made into a 1997 movie that grossed $120 million worldwide and “Stranger in a Strange Land” became a counterculture classic tome in the ’60s.