With international genre cinema currently in a very healthy state, Hollywood executives are spoiled for choices when it comes to finding foreign filmmakers to bring something fresh to U.S. studio fare. Indeed, stick your head in a multiplex these days and it’s hard to find a movie that isn’t directed by someone who made their name with a relatively low-budget European horror or crime flick, from “Let The Right One In” director Tomas Alfredson‘s “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” to “Snabba Cash” helmer Daniel Espinosa‘s “Safe House.”
It’s showing no sign of letting up anytime soon, with upcoming fare like “The Cold Light of Day,” “Lockout” and “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” all coming from those who’ve made their names abroad first. And the latest to join them is Andre Øvredal, the Norwegian director who first made waves with the sleeper hit “Trollhunter” last year.
The film, about a documentary crew chasing mythical beasts proved a hit both on the festival circuit and on limited/VOD release last summer, with “Harry Potter” director Chris Columbus snapping up the remake rights for his 1492 Entertainment company. And given that news, it’s no surprise that Columbus has a hand in Øvredal’s next film too, with Moviehole reporting that the director will helm an adaptation of the novel “Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom,” which will also be produced by Columbus.
Based on the novel by Julie Kenner, the plot revolves around Kate Connor, a suburban housewife and mother who must return to her teenage evil-battling ways when monsters rear their head again. Columbus has hired Dan and Kevin Hagerman (the upcoming “Hotel Transylvania“) to write the script, which Øvredal will direct.
We have to confess, we’re a little disappointed, as we like a lot of “Trollhunter,” and this sounds like fairly dull studio fare, particularly with Columbus attached — we might have a little more faith if, say, Sam Raimi was producing. That being said, Columbus was the man behind “Gremlins” many years ago, and we suppose there’s some potential for fun in the premise, and if nothing else, it should give the rare chance of a woman in her 40s to lead an action franchise. Come on gang, time to give Viola Davis that kick-ass lead she’s always deserved… There’s no timeline on the project as of yet, but we’re sure more news will follow.
