Sony Pictures’s adaptation of Valiant Comics’ Bloodshot has found its lead in Vin Diesel. When it comes to adapting comic books to the big screen, Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. are the studios to beat, but other studios have had their fair share of comic book adaptations as well. In addition to the new Spider-Man films produced in conjunction with Marvel Studios, as well as the upcoming Venom and Silver & Black films, Sony is working on yet another comic book property: Bloodshot.
An early short-list of potential actors to star in Bloodshot surfaced online last year. On that were actors such as Oscar Isaac, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Mark Wahlberg. Then, in July 2017, it was reported that Jared Leto was circling Bloodshot, and then the latest person rumored to be in talks to star as Raymond Garrison was Vin Diesel, who ended up getting the role in the end.
Related: Vin Diesel In Talks For Bloodshot Movie
Deadline reports that Vin Diesel has closed a deal with Sony to star in Bloodshot, with Dave Wilson on board as director and Eric Heisserer (Arrival) penning the script. Deadline also shares that the film will be reminiscent of the "classic 1980s tentpoles like Robocop, Terminator, and Total Recall." Principal photography will begin in July, with a release date yet to be announced.
Created in 1992 by Kevin VanHook and Yvel Guichet, Bloodshot follows a former soldier infused with nanotechnology, which gives him powers of regeneration and meta-morphing. After having his memory wiped multiple times, he sets out to discover his true identity while also seeking vengeance on those who turned him into a weapon. Bloodshot is planned as the first film in a shared universe of Valiant properties that include an adaptation of Harbinger, a comic book series centered on a team of super-powered outcasts, and a crossover between Bloodshot and Harbinger.
Vin Diesel is no stranger to major franchises as well as comic book properties, having starred in the Fast & Furious and The Chronicles of Riddick franchises. He's currently part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe providing the voice for Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War, and the still untitled Avengers 4 film.
Sony's history with comic book adaptations hasn't been great following the conclusion of Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy, but after the success of Spider-Man: Homecoming, and with Venom being one of the most anticipated films of the year, Sony might be getting a new start in the genre. Having a big name like Vin Diesel attached to the film will certainly grab the attention of general audiences – especially those not familiar with Bloodshot’s story – making for a good start in this Valiant shared-universe.
More: What Vin Diesel Could Look Like as Bloodshot
Source: Deadline