With a duo of high-quality actors zeroing in on "Red," the Bruce Willis-starring comic book adaptation, it was only a matter of time before the film snagged a director -- and with this particular director, time is a tricky thing.
The Hollywood Reporter notes that filmmaker Robert Schwentke is in negotiations to helm "Red" for Summit Entertainment. Schwentke's most recent directorial effort comes in the form of "The Time Traveler's Wife," an adaptation of the science-fiction romance novel starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams.
In addition to having worked with comic book movie veterans -- Bana was once the Hulk, mind you -- Schwentke's involvement in "Red" isn't as unnatural as you might think. The DC/Wildstorm adaptation has a heavy thriller vibe, which Schwentke previously tackled in 2005's "Flightplan."
Schwentke's reported attachment also means that "Superman" filmmaker Richard Donner, previously reported as a front-runner for the directorial gig, will not helm "Red."
Regardless of the man behind the lens, "Red" securing a director is certainly a step forward for the production, even if there's still some question about the movie's status. Cully Hamner, who illustrated the comic book series, recently said that the film's progress is promising but isn't set in stone.
"I have to point out that, to my knowledge, neither actor is a done deal," he said. "And even if I'm wrong and they are, it doesn't mean the movie will even get made."
Now that Schwentke is close to signing, coupled with the attachment of Willis and Morgan Freeman, could production on "Red" be closer than previously reported? There's certainly some key roles to fill out -- namely the role of Willis's girlfriend in the movie -- but the attachment of a director is a positive move for the adaptation of Warren Ellis and Hamner's graphic novel.
Is Robert Schwentke the right choice to direct "Red"? Would Richard Donner be a better pick? Give us your feedback in the comments section!