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Brad Pitt's Lost City Of Z Adaptation Gaining Steam in Cannes
by Alex Billington
May 19, 2010
Source: ScreenDaily
Back in 2008 we wrote a few articles reporting that We Own the Night director James Gray would next be directing an adaptation of David Grann's book The Lost City of Z, an epic about a British explorer lost in the Amazon searching for the mythical "City of Z." The project has been in development under the watch of Brad Pitt, who is producing and starring in it. We haven't heard much about this since, but ScreenDaily has an article saying that "buyers have been flocking to" The Lost City of Z at the market in Cannes and that the "red-hot adventure project" may even be Pitt's next film once he finishes Bennett Miller's Moneyball movie.
The trade doesn't have much news to report on its development, but Inferno Entertainment recently came aboard as an international sales agent. It's to be "styled in the vein of Lawrence Of Arabia" which means it'll be a vast and epic Amazonian adventure, but beyond that we don't know much about the script or the budget they're looking for. Considering they're trying to get buyers in Cannes, it doesn't sound like this will have a huge budget, but you never know (look at Alejandro Amenábar's Agora). We're hoping for the best with this and I really do hope Pitt shoots this following Moneyball, as it's one adaptation I can't wait to see.
Grann's book focuses on the British explorer Colonel Percy Fawcett, who went searching for the so-called City of Z in the Amazon, but mysteriously disappeared in 1925. Over the last 80 years, countless explorers have tried and failed to retrace Fawcett's path, including a 1996 expedition of Brazilian adventurers. He is said to have been an inspiration for Indiana Jones and other fictional archaeologists. No one knows what happened to him, which makes me wonder if this script will eventually have Fawcett discover the City of Z (and whoever is there), but still have him die or stay forever. We will definitely keep you updated on this!
9 Comments
1
This movie will be sooo gooood!
Candy Castle on May 19, 2010
2
YES #1 you said it. But I hope they keep it fairly realistic especially for the ending, i dont want to see him walk into the kingdom of the chrystal skull or something
Sharlto on May 19, 2010
3
it sounds good - but, it'll be hard to beat "congo". that was a great movie.
beavis on May 19, 2010
4
Another Pitt loser like Jesse James. He ruined that character. The only decent thing in it was the Affleck who played Bob Ford.............I won't even comment on how utterly ridiculous it was to have someone as old as Sheppard play Frank. In reality, Frank was born in 1843 and four years later Jesse NOT 20 years later. I just wish Pitt would step behind the camera and produce and take his wife with him, the bee stung lipped Jolie
Rosalee on May 22, 2010
5
I think this could follow the book and be very powerful. A little speculation and show Fawcett die (either by starvation or by what seems more plausible, by hostile Indians). Then fade to the present and show how contemporary researchers have discovered right where poor Fawcett died the remains of a highly complex and developed civilization. In effect, he was right on Z, but never knew it. However, he was right in that it did exist (few believed him at the time or after).
Deke on Jul 22, 2010
6
Too bad. I just read the book - fantastic, but Pitt is all wrong as Fawcett. Adrien Brody would be my pick. Of course, Pitt put himself in the lead; can't blame him. Fawcett is a fascinating character. Much as I hope he and Gray do the story justice, there are many ways they could muck this up as it is a dark and dirty story and not an Indiana Jones adventure.
Katharine on Jul 22, 2010
7
Pitt better do an amazing job of this, I'm writing a novel dealing with Z and Fawcett, and if he ruins this incredible story for everyone then this book will be sunk before it even materializes.
GT on Aug 15, 2010
8
brad was great as jessie james and i believe lost city of z will be even be better!
danny on Apr 1, 2011
9
This movie could be really amazing. I don't mind seeing Brad Pitt's name attached, he's done some cool things. That sucks, GT, hope it is good and then your book could actually gain steam! Would love to read it. http://www.staringdownmedusa.com
Steve on May 17, 2011
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