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Michael Hoffman Directing Coen Bros Produced 'Gambit' Remake

by Ethan Anderton
November 18, 2010
Source: Deadline

As their new take on the John Wayne western classic True Grit nears closer to release, it looks like another gestating remake from a couple of my favorite filmmakers, Joel and Ethan Coen, is finally getting off the ground. Back in January we heard the Coen brothers' remake of the 1966 British caper comedy Gambit might finally come together. Since then the only news we heard was a slight chance that Doug Liman (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Bourne Identity) might direct the film. However, Deadline says it will be director Michael Hoffman (The Last Station, One Fine Day) at the helm of a feature that has been in development for years.

In the original film, scheming career cat burglar Harry Dean (Michael Caine) is preparing to steal a priceless statue from the world's richest man, and seeks out the assistance of Eurasian showgirl Suzy Chang (Shirley Maclaine). Though the likable rogue's plan seems foolproof as he conveys the details to his partner Ram, the execution proves a detailed study in Murphy's Law. Constantly reinventing the plan as his originally ideal spirals ever more out of control, it seems as if Harry's heist is destined to fail.

Sounds like a project the Coen brothers could direct themselves if they were so inclined, but alas, this is Hoffman's time to shine.  I haven't seen The Last Station yet, but One Fine Day is a pretty decent romantic comedy, and that experience will likely come in handy with the expected quarreling between the male and female lead. Casting will begin shortly, so hopefully we'll hear who will be taking part in this heist soon enough. Sound good?

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