A reboot of the classic 1980s action-comedy The Cannonball Run is still on its way, and Edge of Tomorrow director Doug Liman is in early talks to direct. An update of the original movie has been long in development at Warners Bros., with several stars and filmmakers having been previously attached. However, it seems the studio is now looking at Liman as their potential helmer.

The first Cannonball Run movie released in 1981 and contained a wealth of comedy and action talent from that era, including Burt Reynolds, Dean Martin, Roger Moore, and Jackie Chan. Directed by ex-stuntman Hal Needham, it was heavy on slapstick humor and elaborate vehicle stunts. It went on to become one of the biggest box-office earners of that year, just behind Stripes and Superman II. There was a sequel in 1984 which once again starred Reynolds, but wasn't such a hit. An intended second sequel was shot in 1989, but was renamed Cannonball Fever (aka: Speed Zone) when Reynolds declined to take part. Ever since, The Fast and The Furious seriously reignited interest in car-based action movies in the 2000s and 2010s, so Warner Bros. has been attempting to get a reboot off the ground for quite some time.

Deadline reports that Doug Liman is now in early talks with Warner Bros. to direct their Cannonball Run re-imagining, which could be a potential start for a new franchise. The previous director that was in talks for the project was Rawson Marshall Thurber (Skyscraper), who described his intended vision of the film as being Fast & Furious meets Ocean's Eleven. That version of the movie was scripted by Night at the Museum writers Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant, and it's understood that Liman will still work from that screenplay, albeit with possible rewrites and a new screenwriter if necessary, as long as he signs to direct, of course.

Doug Liman Director

Thurber apparently walked away from the project since a deal was never finalized, but The Cannonball Run remake has left a long line of stars and directors trailing behind it. George Clooney and Guy Ritchie were originally rumored to be joining forces for a production in 2011. And prior to Thurber's involvement, a remake was due to be written and directed by Men in Black 3 writer Etan Cohen in 2016. But, as none of those projects led to an actual production start, hopefully, Liman's involvement will get the wheels turning once again.

Liman has obviously shown the ability to control frantic action sequences and sheer spectacle, with his previous productions like Edge of Tomorrow and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. He's a very interesting choice for the role, and if he does helm it, it will be intriguing to see how he handles the material. The natural expectation is for a star-filled romp, with as many spectacular vehicular stunts as feasible. However, as the franchise itself is based on the actual Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, a note of realism could creep into the story. In the meantime, Liman's next film on the docket is Chaos Walking , which releases in March 2019, meaning The Cannonball Run reboot is still a few years off.

More: Edge of Tomorrow 2 Could Be Doug Liman's Next Movie

Source: Deadline