by Justin Cook
Ben Affleck and David Fincher, who worked together last year on the hugely successful book to film adaptation of Gone Girl, will be re-teaming for a remake of the 1951 Alfred Hitchcock classic Strangers on a Train. Gillian Flynn, who wrote both the Gone Girl book and film, may also join the project as the film’s screenwriter.
Already, major changes are being made to update the film’s plot and make it more modern. For example, the film will simply be called Strangers, and instead of trains, the film will take place on a plane.
Under Pearl Street Films, the production company Affleck runs with fellow actor and friend Matt Damon, Affleck will produce the film.
In the film, Affleck will play the lead role of an accomplished actor in the middle of an Oscar campaign, on a trip to Los Angeles. When his private plane breaks down, he decides to hitch a ride with a rich, psychopathic stranger who suggests they exchange murders.
It will probably be quite some time before the movie begins shooting, as both Fincher and Affleck have very busy schedules. Affleck will be directing and starring in an adaptation of the Dennis Lehane novel Live by Night, as well as playing the role of Batman in not only next year’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but also Justice League Part One in 2017. As of now, he is in the middle of filming The Accountant for Warner Bros. Fincher is currently working on his upcoming project for HBO entitled Utopia, which will also be written by Gillian Flynn.
Last year’s Gone Girl was not only loved by critics and moviegoers alike, but the film dominated at the box office, making over $165 million domestically and close to $370 million worldwide on a $60 million budget. Whatever Team Gone Girl decides to do next, they’ll certainly have a big audience anticipating their next project.
Source: Deadline
