Writer of “The Departed” and recent “London Boulevard” director William Monahan is set to team with Disney and director Joseph Kosinski for an adaptation of Radical Publishing’s graphic novel “Oblivion.”
Kosinski created the novel three years ago, though it has only begun earning attention now on the eve of its release through Random House, with the forthcoming unveiling of Kosinski’s directorial debut, “Tron: Legacy,” likely playing its part.
The story is set in an apocalyptic future where “most people live above the clouds” and follows a solider “stuck on the desolate Earth repairing drones that patrol and destroy a savage alien race called The Scavengers. He comes across a beautiful woman who has crashed in a craft. Together they take an epic adventure that changes his world view.” Sounds like a project perfect for the ‘Tron’ crowd, who’ll likely adore Kosinski after what is shaping to be a visually interesting and crowd-pleasing sequel to Steven Lisberger’s 1982 cult classic.
Development on “Oblivion” had previously been dependent on the success of “Tron: Legacy” and the potential for a third installment but, with the recruitment of a high-profile scribe like Monahan, it certainly looks to be gaining momentum and is reportedly a priority for Disney. More details will surely come out in the new year.
Also, there seems to be no discerning mention in any of the trades of the planned Viking epic that would have teamed Monahan with Leonardo DiCaprio and Mel Gibson. Obviously, the project won’t be happening any time soon but we’re still hoping for some sort of revival by way of a Gibson reconciliation somewhere down the track.
I'm interested…