It’s not secret by now that Hugh Jackman and “Real Steel” director Shawn Levy have hit it off in a huge way. Before their first collaboration has even been released studio types are feeling chuffed and already planning a sequel, while Jackman and Levy have already started eyeing another project with Carlton Cuse being tapped to write the action-adventure script. But their next team-up maybe be bigger than any of those.
Deadline reports that the very available and in demand Jackman is the “first choice” of Levy to star in “Fantastic Voyage,” the 3D remake set to be produced by James Cameron. The film is a remake of the classic 1966 film about a group of scientists who are miniaturized and sent into a human body in a submarine to remove a blood clot from a colleague’s brain—a scientist who is invaluable to the CIA. And get ready for a digital effects extravaganza, as apparently, once the sub goes inside the body, the entire film will be CGI.
The project has a script by Shane Salerno, with Laeta Kalogridis (”Alexander,” “Shutter Island”) giving it a polish, with a new script set to be delivered very soon. Jackman has been choosy about what he’ll do next — he recently turned down “Snow White & The Huntsman” — and there’s also “The Wolverine” to consider. While that film is currently on hold, “Fantastic Voyage” would presumably tie him up for what would likely be a lengthy shoot given the intense FX involved. Will Fox want him tied up for that long? But then again both films are at the studio and if they land Jackman for two back-to-back blockbusters, they’d be glad to do so.
We haven’t been too interested in this film at all, but with Hugh Jackman toplining, it will definitely get our attention. More to come we’re sure and with Levy’s profile on the rise, Fox will likely want to lock him and “Fantastic Voyage” onto the schedule fast, though, there is no greenlight on the project just yet.