Now that he’s wrapped Michael Mann‘s “Blackhat,” Chris Hemsworth is trying on another hat — movie producer.
Hemsworth has optioned the film rights to Steve Earle’s novel “I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive” to star in and produce along with Laura Bickford (“Traffic”).
Benjamin Grayson wrote the script and will make his directorial debut with the indie film.
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“I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive” is a dark, fictitious tale that follows Toby “Doc” Ebersole, who’s haunted by the ghost of Hank Williams following his involvement in the country singer’s mysterious death in 1953.
After his medical license is revoked, the story picks up 10 years later in the red-light district of San Antonio, Texas, where Doc supports his morphine habit by performing illegal medical procedures. Hank’s ghost serves a demented Jiminy Cricket, visiting Doc often whether he’s wanted or not.
The film takes its title from a 1952 song Williams co-wrote that was the last single released during his lifetime.
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Grayson served as Kenneth Branagh’s assistant on “Thor” and John Lee Hancock‘s assistant on “Saving Mr. Banks.”
After receiving strong reviews for his performance as Formula One driver James Hunt in Ron Howard‘s “Rush,” 2015 is expected to be a huge year for Hemsworth. In addition to the cybercrime thriller “Blackhat,” he also stars in Howard’s whale tale “In the Heart of the Sea” and Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”
The Australian actor is currently preparing to shoot his first studio comedy, New Line’s reboot of “Vacation,” and he’s also set to star in Frank Darabont’s “The Huntsman.”
Hemsworth is represented by CAA, ROAR, Morrissey Management and attorney Cheryl Snow.