Shane Black to co-write and direct Doc Savage

Shane Black, who's currently basking in the success of Iron Man 3, has his sights set to direct a movie adaptation of the classic American pulp magazine action hero; DOC SAVAGE. In fact, the deal has been closed, and pre-production has commenced. Black has long been trying to develop this adaptation for quite some time now. 

Doc Savage became a popular american pulp hero in the 1930's and 1940's. He was created by publisher Henry W. Ralston and editor John L. Nanovic at Street and Smith Publications, with additional material contributed by the series' main writer, Lester Dent. [Read More After the Jump]


ABOUT DOC SAVAGE
One of the most popular characters of the pulps of the 1930s and 40s, Doc Savage was also popularized on radio, film and television. Doc Savage is a physician, surgeon, scientist, adventurer, inventor, explorer, researcher; basically he's kind of like Batman, but only looking more like a cross between Indiana Jones and Duke from the original GI JOE series. A team of scientists assembled by his father deliberately trained his mind and body to near-superhuman abilities almost from birth, giving him great strength and endurance, a photographic memory, a mastery of the martial arts, and vast knowledge of the sciences. Doc is also a master of disguise and an excellent imitator of voices. Just as I stated, Batman without the costume. The concept sounds generic by today's standards, but with a writer and director like Shane Black, it might have the ability to stand out with its own unique identity.

DEVELOPMENT
Sony Pictures Entertainment has closed its deal with Shane Black to co-write and direct Doc Savage, and Black is eyeing it as his next film, it was announced this week by Doug Belgrad, president of Columbia Pictures, and Hannah Minghella, president of Production for the studio.  Black co-wrote the screenplay with Anthony Bagarozzi and Charles Mondry, based on the hero of pulp novels, films, and comic books.  Neal H. Moritz is producing the project with Ori Marmur through his Original Film banner. Michael Uslan will also serve as a producer on the film.

Commenting on the announcement, Minghella said, “We couldn’t be more excited to be building a franchise from the ground up with Shane and this team.  Shane and Neal have a fantastic understanding of the character and a great take on the material and we can’t wait to get this production up and running.”

What do you think about this project? Hit the comments!