Hot off theFast & FuriousspinoffHobbs & Shaw,David Leitchis looking to direct the vampire movieUndying LoveforJeff Robinov’s Studio 8, reportsDeadline. The trade claims the graphic novel adaptation will be Leitch’s next project, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves, as there are several factors to consider.
Based on the graphic novel created byTomm CokerandDaniel Freedman,Undying Loveis set in modern day Hong Kong, where John Sargent finds himself falling for a beautiful Chinese woman named Mei. The only catch? She’s a vampire. While the material definitely seems like a good fit for Leitch, much will depend on howHobbs & Shawperforms at the box office. If it cracks the billion-dollar mark, Leitch may be offered bigger and better projects thanUndying Loveor anything else in development at Studio 8. Perhaps his quote will skyrocket? Who knows? The film could also tank since it’s the first outside of the mainVin Diesel-led franchise, although withDwayne Johnson,Jason Statham(hot offThe Meg) andIdris Elbaaboard, it seems like a pretty safe bet that Leitch will be a hot commodity this summer.
But there’s another thing to consider, and that’s the fact that Leitch has been working seemingly non-stop for the past few years. Think about it, unless it’sWoody Allen, most directors deliver a movie every other year, or every few years. Leitch co-directed 2014’sJohn Wick, served as second unit director on the mega-blockbustersJurassic WorldandCaptain America: Civil Warin 2015 and 2016, then directedAtomic Blondein 2017,Deadpool 2in 2018, and he hasHobbs & Shawcoming out later this year. I know those years simply indicate release dates and not when Leitch was actually working on them, but you get the point. That’s a pretty impressive output by any standard, and it’s possible Leitch may just want a break rather than jumping back into production this fall to likely hit a 2020 release. He has certainly earned one if he needs it, in my opinion.
Interestingly enough,Joe CarnahanandAlexandre Ajawere once attached to directUndying Love, and genre filmmakerTommy Wirkola(Dead Snow,Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters)wrote the current script. I’m curious as to why Studio 8 didn’t want Wirkola to directUndying Lovehimself, since it’s certainly up his alley as well, but I suppose that’s another question for another day. The film will be produced byKelly McCormickandStephen L’Heureux, while Robinov will serve as an executive producer. The graphic novel was originally developed by Warner Bros., which won the rights in a heated bidding war.
Leitch, who is also attached to direct theJake Gyllenhaal-Jessica ChastainmovieThe Division, is represented by WME and 87Eleven, while Wirkola is repped by CAA.Hobbs & Shawwill break into theaters on Aug. 2.
