A few days ago, we reported “Agent 13,” a sci-fi adaptation with Charlize Theron and director Rupert Wyatt attached, was being prepared for an intense bidding war amongst studios, and it seems the project has indeed found a home.
Deadline reports Universal has beat out rivals Paramount, MGM, and Fox to secure the high-profile project from WME, who put together the package deal. With Wyatt's summer blockbuster “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” pleasing everyone on both critical and financial fronts, it's easy to see the reason for interest too, especially with Theron set to already head up the stellar-looking “Prometheus” this summer. “Agent 13” will not be Wyatt's next film however, as a locked agreement with Andy Serkis, reprising his role of Caesar for the 'Apes' sequel, puts that project front and center on the director's plate.
Written by T.S. Nowlin, “Agent 13” is based off a comic book/novel series by Flat Dille and David Marconi that ran from 1986-1988, and gained notices for its blend of sci-fi elements and noir setting and characters. Theron seems perfectly suited to the noir sensibility, but though she was the first one attached to the project, and a reason for its sale, she is not the main character of the film. The comic/novel series instead centers around a male lead, which has not been cast yet.
It all seems like good, pulpy fun, and with the talent involved having proved their dedication to genre material in the past, “Agent 13” remains one to look forward to.
