Variety reports that Warner Bros. has hired Tim Story (Fantastic Four) to direct The Losers, based on the Vertigo espionage series by Andy Diggle and Jock.
Jamie Vanderbilt (The Rundown, Darkness Falls) will write the adaptation, based on a first draft by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights), who initially was set to direct. He opted instead to direct Tonight, He Comes, starring Will Smith and Charlize Theron.
The original version of The Losers — a team of World War II fighting men — first appeared in 1969. Previously each of the characters had starred in his own military-adventure series. In 2003, Diggle and Jock updated the concept for DC’s Vertigo imprint, casting new characters as a team of special forces operatives who declare war on the CIA after their handler tries to assassinate them.
The new series ran for 32 issues, from August 2003 to March 2006.
June 9th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
“I’m a big fan of the edge of war movies like ‘Black Hawk Down’ or ‘Band of Brothers,’ and this has some of that. I was looking for a vehicle that would have that edge, but I didn’t want to lose my personality, which is a bit tongue-and-cheek, where the characters have a little fun with each other,” Story told Variety.
No, just… NO! This book was the high point of modern action that DC/Vertigo put out. Diggle and Jock gave us some great scenes and had terrific dialogue and intensity. The above quote is why I’ve gone from completely stoked about this movie to bitter. Peter Berg was perfect for this, Hell, ANYONE else would be better short of Shawn Levy. Where’s Walter Hill when you need him…
June 10th, 2007 at 10:01 am
This was a GREAT series, I hope they mske something good out of it, a tv series would have been suited better I think…
June 10th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Hopefully this turns out as good as the comic series.
June 11th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Damn shame. I always thought that the Losers was the shining example of why action works in comics better than film. As selfish as it is, I was kind of hoping that the Losers would never get the film treatment.
Still, hopefully this’ll defy expectations and be the fun, smart, hella exciting heist flick that the property deserves.
Not counting on it, though.
June 11th, 2007 at 9:48 am
Hopefully, Tim Story can make this an entertaining, worthy adapation, but considering his track record to date, I certainly wouldn’t bet on it.
But hey, as long as he brings in at least $100 million per movie, so much for worrying about making a quality film…
June 11th, 2007 at 11:23 am
Let’s point out that Tim Story directed The Fantastic Four and Barbershop.
Now let’s collectively weep.
Though I work in the film industry, I can never understand why properties like this are virtually thrown away. The answer I always get back is money, but you could still make a good version of The Losers and it would bring in much more money.
June 11th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
“Hopefully, Tim Story can make this an entertaining, worthy adapation, but considering his track record to date, I certainly wouldn’t bet on it.
But hey, as long as he brings in at least $100 million per movie, so much for worrying about making a quality film…”
Two things came to mind when I read this:
1. Comic publishers are just as “guilty” as movie studios in giving leeway to creators who makes lots of money for them. And damn the reviews.
2. A film version of Losers will attract the wide audience that eluded the comics.
The fact that I’m posting about a comic I previously overlooked shows how Tim Story’s latest project will be more beneficial, not harmful, to Losers.
June 11th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Let’s point out that Tim Story directed The Fantastic Four and Barbershop.
Now let’s collectively weep.”
Speak for yourself. Barbershop was pretty funny. Also, the film thankfully explored some fresh angles on Black America (e.g., positive community spirit) instead of the tired ones (pimps, hoes, and thugs).
As for Fantastic Four, I actually liked it. At heart, the FF comic of the early Lee/Kirby era was a family sitcom/superhero hybrid, a tone captured by Story’s movie. Furthermore, the film’s upbeat attitude made it stand out from the “grim and gritty” offerings of Summer 2005.
“Though I work in the film industry, I can never understand why properties like this are virtually thrown away.”
Maybe Story was the only director interested in Losers. Not every director thinks a comic book flick on their resume is a good thing.
“The answer I always get back is money, but you could still make a good version of The Losers and it would bring in much more money.”
So, you have already seen Story’s film.
No? Then, let’s judge the movie AFTER it opens.