The Wachowskis have no shortage of projects on the go. The adaptation of David Mitchell‘s “Cloud Atlas,” which they are producing and possibly directing segments of, is gearing up to go in front of cameras next spring, while their highly ambitious gay romance/George W. Bush assassination/Iraq war tale “CN-9” (aka “Cobalt Neutral 9“) continues to try and put together financing. But their next pic will follow the current Hollywood love affair with fables and fairy tales.
THR reports that The Wachowskis have struck a deal to direct “Hood,” an urban retelling of the Robin Hood story. As per usual, details on the project are being kept tightly under wraps but feelers have apparently been put out to Will Smith for a role in the Wachowski-written project.
Their longtime producer Joel Silver is on board in his familiar role and the project is set up at Warner Bros., the studio that has served as home for the directors since “The Matrix.”
No word yet on when this one might go in front of cameras, but the Wachowskis seem to be adding a few more options to their plate for their next project. Of the three, “Hood” is easily the most marketable, no-brainer concept of the bunch. It hits on a popular chord running through Hollywood right now; this year alone has seen Disney score in a big way twice with “Alice In Wonderland” and “Tangled” (WB will have Catherine Hardwicke‘s “Red Riding Hood” hitting theaters next spring). Of course, in the Wachowskis’ hands, it will likely be much more visually ambitious than anything else out there.
It’s been two years now since “Speed Racer” — mostly regarded as a total disaster, though it does have its champions — and the wait for their next effort seems to be quickly drawing to a close.
This sounds right in WIll Smith\’s wheelhouse, i.e. horrible and sentimental.