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David Goyer to Helm 'Graphic Novel' Take on 'Count of Monte Cristo'

by Alex Billington
March 18, 2013
Source: THR

Another day, another remake. Ugh what are you doing David Goyer? This isn't necessary. Though I'm sure it'll turn out pretty badass, I just hope it's any good. News from THR that David S. Goyer, famed co-writer of The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Man of Steel, and director of horror films The Invisible and The Unborn, has found his next project to direct - a "graphic novel" take on the classic Alexandre Dumas story The Count of Monte Cristo. He won't even be directing his own script, but he will likely be giving this a Sherlock Holmes update, with the industry buzz phrase for the project being a "19th century Dark Knight".

Goyer describes his interest in this new take on The Count of Monte Cristo, with the screenplay written by Michael Robert Johnson (upcoming Pompeii), to THR: "During my career I've enjoyed re-invigorating and contextualizing classic characters that are relatable to contemporary audiences. Michael has written an excellent script and I’m going to enjoy bringing our take of the rich and textured world of Monte Cristo to the big screen." It's said to be have a more "graphic novel" approach, obviously with that Batman reference, with this French tale of revenge. Germain studio Constantin Films, who made Paul W.S. Anderson's recent films, is developing with Impact Pictures' Jeremy Bolt (Death Race, Pandorum, Resident Evil) producing.

To be frank, this seems like a very odd choice for Goyer to direct, and not a step in the right direction for him if I might say. He's not very well regarded as a director, and taking on a classic like this from the studio that gave us Paul W.S. Anderson's The Three Musketeers, doesn't seem like a good move to me. I'm a huge fan of the most recent 2002 version of the story, directed by Kevin Reynolds and starring Jim Caviezel, and there's no way this "graphic novel" take will be able to top that. Though I am curious to see how it turns out.

Filed under Development, Movie News

From around the web:

Baron the Curse

One of my favorite books. The movie doesn't even give it an ounce of justice, that said, I wish Goyer would stay away from this one.
DumasForever

The count of Monte Cristo is written by one of the greatest black writers who also wrote the Three Musketeers! Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! David Goyer is an excellent choice to adapt it!!!!!!
octopus9498

"I'm sure it'll turn out pretty badass". Wow. Quality writing. Great use of the English language. "Badass" is the most overused adjective on this site. Try using one of the other myriad of adjectives in the English language that is much more descriptive and bring up the level of so called journalism here.
hg

kind of funny henry cavill was in the last version of this story lol
si1ver

Blade: Trinity, The Invisible, The Unborn. Goyer owes us 3 amazing films before I can get excited about one of his projects.
Ceazar

Loved the book, saw the 2002 movie and liked it. I hope he does a good job with this classic tale. All I want though is for the revenge part to be absolutely satisfying. The 2002 version wasn't so much. Best of luck. Don't cock it up.
- Baron the Curse
  
  Really, you've read the book and liked the 2002 movie? Even though the ending was change to conform to a sappy love story ending and the revenge sequences where summed up almost in a montage? Not to mention they gave the Count a sidekick with a Bronx accent.
Morvidus

So an Americanized Gankutsuou? Not feeling it...
MMAniac911

The 2002 movie is one of my favorites, I don't think he can top it, and even if it does, why bother? Do something original or re-invigorate an adaption that sucked, not one was the great.