It looks like Universal is pumping the brakes on their upcoming big-budget blockbuster “Cowboy Ninja Viking,” which is set to star Chris Pratt, and have delayed the production right before filming was to begin. And surprisingly, it’s not because the title is horrible.
Collider says that the Pratt-led film is removed from their 2019 release schedule, but not canned completely. “Cowboy Ninja Viking” is still being listed as in active development and the delay is only “to accommodate production scheduling.” However, THR reports that there have been growing concerns over the script since March.
“Cowboy Ninja Viking” was set to begin production next month in London, with acclaimed “Game of Thrones” and “Breaking Bad” director Michelle MacLaren attached to direct. The film was set to be the filmmaker’s feature-length debut. Actress Priyanka Chopra was recently reportedly signed on to co-star in the film, opposite Pratt. But alas, it looks like all that is up in the air.
“Cowboy Ninja Viking’s” allegedly suspect script is said to have been written by Dan Mazeau, Ryan Engle, Craig Mazin, Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese. The latter two are probably best known for their work on the two “Deadpool” films, as well as “Zombieland.”
The film is based on the Image Comics series of the same name that followed a psychotherapist who led a counter-intelligence group of patients with multiple personality disorder. These patients, known as Triplets, each had three distinct personalities, along with the traits of each. The series followed Duncan, who presumably would have been played by Chris Pratt, who has the personalities of a cowboy, ninja, and a Viking, as he tracks down rogue Triplets.
Originally, “Cowboy Ninja Viking” was set to be released on June 28, 2019. But clearly, the question now isn’t when it’s going to debut in theaters, but rather IF it will ever be made.