In a deal that has been rumored since August, Channing Tatum is in talks to star in and co-direct Warner Bros.’ adaptation of Jo Nesbo’s crime novel “The Son” along with longtime collaborator Reid Carolin, TheWrap has learned.
Video recently surfaced of Tatum, Carolin and producer Kevin McCormick meeting with Nesbo in Norway to discuss the project. Nesbo is the bestselling author of the Harry Hole detective series, as well as “Headhunters” and “Blood on Snow.”
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“The Son” follows a young man serving prison time for crimes he didn’t commit who escapes and sets out to avenge the death of his recently murdered father, an honest man depicted by the press as a corrupt cop who committed suicide. As the ex-con pursues justice, he tries to rectify the crimes to which he initially confessed.
Knopf will publish “The Son” in May, though the thriller hits Norwegian bookstores on Wednesday.
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Nesbo and Niclas Salomonsson will executive produce the movie, which is currently seeking a writer to adapt the novel. Warner Bros. exec Jesse Ehrman will oversee the project for the studio.
Tatum, who is currently working with Carolin on WB’s “Magic Mike” sequel, next stars in “22 Jump Street,” “Jupiter Ascending” and “Foxcatcher.” He’s repped by UTA and Management 360.
Watch Tatum declare his admiration for Nesbo in the video below.