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Mark Wahlberg Wants in on Remake of Norway's Thriller 'Headhunters'

by Ethan Anderton
February 28, 2012
Source: The Shortlist

Earlier this year, Mark Wahlberg already dipped into the remake barrel with Contrband, a stateside version of Reykjavik-Rotterdam, an Icelandic action thriller from 2008. Now the star of The Fighter is looking to another foreign property for his next project as The Shortlist has learned that Wahlberg is looking to take on a remake of Headhunters, a Norwegian thriller based on Jo Nesbø's novel of the same name, which was just recently published here in the United States. In October, it was revealed that Summit Entertainment is behind the remake, and Wahlberg has apparently met with both the director and studio.

For those just joining us, here's the book's official synopsis:

Roger Brown is a corporate headhunter, and he’s a master of his profession. But one career simply can’t support his luxurious lifestyle and his wife’s fledgling art gallery. At an art opening one night he meets Clas Greve, who is not only the perfect candidate for a major CEO job, but also, perhaps, the answer to his financial woes: Greve just so happens to mention that he owns a priceless Peter Paul Rubens painting that’s been lost since World War II—and Roger Brown just so happens to dabble in art theft. But when he breaks into Greve’s apartment, he finds more than just the painting. And Clas Greve may turn out to be the worst thing that’s ever happened to Roger Brown.

Wahlberg said, "I saw a film recently called Headhunters. It's a Norwegian film and it's one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I met with the director and pleaded with the studio that has the rights so we'll see if we get anywhere with that." Interestingly enough, a director hasn't yet been officially announced for the remake (though Anvil! The Story of Anvil director Sacha Gervasi was said to be attached sometime last year), so we're not exactly sure who Wahlberg met with about the film. Considering Contraband has raked in just over $66 million, I'm betting Summit won't mind getting into business with Wahlberg for the project unless they already have a different lead actor in mind. Wahlberg could always just produce, too. Stay tuned.

Filed under Development, Movie News

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