What's really exciting, though, is the producing & directing team involved, Chuck Russell (The Mask, Eraser) and academy award nominee Frank Darabont (Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, Young Indiana Jones Chronicles). Fans who fear the "mainstreaming" of Doc -- updating the character, streamlining the cast, adding a love interest -- may have nothing to worry about with Darabont involved. Remember Shawshank Redemption, which he scripted and directed? That was a period piece with a large all-male cast. And it didn't do too badly at the box office, either. (Also, one of my favorite films.) Okay, but what about Arnold? To tell you the truth, now that he's older, I think he's a good choice. How can a filmmaker better convey that Doc Savage is the ultimate action hero, than to have Arnold Schwarzenegger step through the doors of that penthouse apartment? We all think about strength and intelligence, but probably the most important quality Doc has that needs to come across on screen is his presence. People notice him. Men follow him. He commands every room he steps into. Arnold can convey this very believably. And if, like many films that get announced in Variety, the new Doc Savage doesn't get made, that's okay too. The announcement about the film has gotten people talking about Doc. It's raised awareness of the character, increased his status, and reignited Doc fandom. Variety Article Other Articles (links): Ain't-It-Cool News
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