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Robert Zemeckis Might Return to Live-Action Filmmaking with 'Flight'

by Ethan Anderton
April 20, 2011
Source: Deadline

After messing around with performance capture animation films like Polar Express, A Christmas Carol and Beowulf, it looks like Robert Zemeckis is finally ready to get back in the director's chair for a live-action film again. Deadline reports Paramount Pictures is in early talks with the director to helm Flight, an original story from Real Steel writer John Gatins. The story follows a commercial airline pilot named Whip Whitaker who is hailed as a hero after landing a malfunctioning plane that was close to crashing. However, an investigation into the cause of the crash reveals he was flying under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

The real meat of the story is the pilot's journey as he's given the label of a hero, but doesn't think he deserves it. Meanwhile the pilot's union and airline try to keep the truth behind his condition during the flight under wraps. Apparently Gatins had been intending to direct the film himself, but Paramount is quite interested in getting Zemeckis back into live-action with this film quickly. THR even has word that Denzel Washington is loosely attached to star in the film.

Considering he hasn't directed a live-action film since Cast Away in 2000, this certainly would be a welcome return for Zemeckis. Production could begin as early as the end of summer, but a deal still has to be finalized with the director first. Either way, sounds like a promising character piece, and a potential return to glory for the man who once helmed such classics as Forrest Gump and Back to the Future. As someone who's never been sold on his motion-capture films, this one definitely has my attention. How about you?

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