David Leitch to Direct Thriller ‘Bullet Train’ for Sony
Zak Olkewitz is writing the script, based on the hugely popular Japanese manga
Umberto Gonzalez | June 24, 2020 @ 3:11 PM
Last Updated: June 24, 2020 @ 4:09 PM
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Stuntman turned director David Leitch — best known for directing “John Wick,” “Atomic Blonde,” and “Deadpool 2” — will supervise development and direct “Bullet Train” for Sony Pictures, the company announced on Wednesday.
Zak Olkewitz, whose credits include “Fear Street,” is writing the screenplay based on the hugely popular Japanese manga. The project is described as a contained thriller in the vein of “Speed” and “Non-Stop” and can be shot on a closed set subject to COVID-19 shooting protocols. “Bullet Train” is being eyed for a fall shoot.
Additionally, Leitch will produce “Bullet Train” along with longtime producing partner Kelly McCormick (“Atomic Blonde”) through their 87North banner along with Antoine Fuqua and Kat Samick.
Executive Brittany Morrissey is overseeing the project for Sony Pictures.
Leitch is best known for his stunt work, but turned in an impressive directorial debut with “John Wick,” the 2014 Keanu Reeves action film, which he co-directed with Chad Stahelski. Leitch’s most recently directed “Fast & Furious” spinoff “Hobbs and Shaw” which starred Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Statham. In 2019, Leitch along with McCormick signed a first-look production deal with Universal Pictures. Leitch and McCormick are also developing multiple projects for Universal, including “Nobody,” an action thriller directed by “Hardcore Henry’s” Ilya Naishuller starring Bob Odenkirk. They’re also developing “Friday Black,” based on the title story of The New York Times bestseller from award-winning author Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah.
Leitch is repped by WME and Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman. Olkewitz is repped by 3 Arts Management and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson.
13 of Keanu Reeves' Most Insane Movie Premises - From 'John Wick' to 'Johnny Mnemonic' (Photos)
Reeves plays “Constantine’s” titular exorcist bent on saving Earth from hell -- even though his soul is already damned to be interred there -- in the 2005 comic book adaptation which also starred Shia LaBeouf as a sidekick cab driver.
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A burned out football player becomes an FBI agent who learns how to surf so he can infiltrate a gang of bank robbers dressed like ex-Presidents and head up by Patrick Swayze. No, seriously, that's "Point Break" (1991).
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Keanu stars with Sandra Bullock in "Speed," a movie that mostly takes place on a bus that will explode if it slows down below 55 mph. Bullock taking L.A. public transportation? Yeah, right. (1994)
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Keanu and Sandra reunited for “The Lake House,” a film that saw the “Speed” co-stars falling in love through the mail and through time: Bullock writes to Reeves in 2006 while he is living in 2004. And they don’t even use stamps.
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A computer hacker discovers humanity is enslaved by a sentient program in “The Matrix” (1999). Reeves soon unplugs himself, masters kung fu and learns to fly.
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Reeves playing a top-notch trial attorney in 1997's "The Devil's Advocate." If that's not wacky enough on it's own, he's also the son of the Devil (Al Pacino).
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After discovering a dead stripper in his motel room, played by Cameron Diaz, Keanu assumes he’s the murderer in “Feeling Minnesota" (1996). Don’t worry, she’s not dead and they live happily ever after in Vegas.
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Reeves plays a scientist trying to solve the energy crisis in "Chain Reaction" (1996) by splitting up the water molecule, or something. Soon he’s neck-deep in a government conspiracy and being framed for murder and treason.
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After gambling away six grand, Keanu repays his debts in “Hardball” by coaching an inner-city little league team for an outrageous sum of $500 a week. But the real payoff comes when he teaches the kids the importance of camaraderie, which leads to a successful season that no one saw possible (2001).
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In “John Wick” (2014), Reeves’ latest offering, he plays a retired hitman who has no choice but to re-enter the seedy underworld after bad guys, wait for it… murder his beloved puppy. Womp, womp.
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The oft-jeered actor has appeared in several films with far-fetched plots, including “John Wick” which opens Oct. 24
Reeves plays “Constantine’s” titular exorcist bent on saving Earth from hell -- even though his soul is already damned to be interred there -- in the 2005 comic book adaptation which also starred Shia LaBeouf as a sidekick cab driver.