Rumor: Gus Van Sant Replacing Shane Black On ‘Death Note’
Some time ago, we got word thatShane Blackwould be directingan English-language adaptation of the Japanese mangaDeath Note. Since then, though, we haven’t heard much about the project at all. So we were disappointed but not terribly surprised to hear that he’s no longer set to helm.
Instead, according to a new report,Gus Van Santwill be taking over the reins. Seems like an interesting combination, if nothing else. Hit the jump for more details.
Anyway, their sources indicate that Van Sant will be directing theDeath Notemovie for Warner Bros.Dan Lin,Roy Lee,Doug Davison, andBrian Wittenare producing the film for Warner Bros. The latest draft of the script comes from Black,Anthony Bagarozzi, andCharles Mondry.
Written byTsugumi Ohbaand illustrated byTakeshi Obata, the originalDeath Notefollows a high school student who discovers a mysterious notebook that allows him to kill anyone in the world, simply by writing their name in it. He uses the new tool to turn vigilante, trying to create a better world by offing all the bad guys in it.
Naturally, his actions catch the attention of law enforcement. They bring in a genius detective called L to help solve the case, and a convoluted cat-and-mouse game ensues. Oh, and there’s a race of extra-dimensional death gods who put the book out there in the first place.
The manga, which ran from 2003 through 2006, has already inspired an anime series, two live-action films, and a movie spinoff in Japan. Warner Bros. has been trying to get the English-language adaptation off the ground for a few years already.CharleyandVlas Parlapanideswere the first to take a crack at the script, before Bagarozzi and Mondry took over.
Black signed on in 2011, and was still attached as of last year. However, it seems his plate is getting pretty crowded now, what with the newPredatorreboot/sequel thingyand theDoc Savagefilm.
Assuming the story is true, Van Sant certainly isn’t the obvious choice to directDeath Note. However, he does have some experience with thrillers. He directedTo Die For,Elephant, andParanoid Park, all of which dealt with teens and violence, not to mention that notoriousPsychoremake.
