MGM is currently developing a hot slate of remakes of films from their own classic library and have hired Joe and Anthony Russo to oversee their production.
In what is being referred to as a “multi-film non-exclusive creative partnership,” the duo are co-developing, co-producing and co-financing a handful of the films through their ABGO Films production company. First up is a remake of the 1968 Norman Jewison heist film The Thomas Crown Affair with Michael B. Jordan attached. The film was previously remade in 1999 by Die Hard and Predator director John McTiernan and starred Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo.
A second remake of the film has been in various stages of development for over three years at this point. Per Deadline, Deepwater Horizon and World War Z screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan has been brought on board to pen a rewrite of the existing script.
Joe Russo shared his thoughts on the new collaboration:
“This deal reflects the fundamental tenets upon which ABGO was built: a storytelling driven studio designed to develop and produce a complex array of narrative in an ever-evolving landscape. Artist ownership is primary to our agenda, and we’ll be serving as partners on every film. It’s also an amazing opportunity for AGBO to work with MGM, which owns one of the greatest libraries in the world.”
Following The Thomas Crown Affair will be a remake of The Rats of Nimh. Beyond that, no details are currently known.
The Russo brothers previously directed Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War and, of course, the endlessly hyped Avengers: Endgame for Marvel and Disney. The first post-Marvel feature, a film called Cherry, is on deck and will star Spider-Man: Homecoming‘s Tom Holland.
What do you think about Joe and Anthony Russo handling a slate of remakes for MGM? Does this excite you to check out the newer versions of some of their classics? Sound off in the comments below and let me know what you’re thinking!
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