This has been brewing for some time but people knew it had to happen eventually. With Dwayne Johnson‘s love for superheros, it makes sense that he would wish to star in Doc Savage since he is already set to star in a film of a hero as equally recognizable, Shazam. Shane Black, who wrote and directed Iron Man 3, will be performing the same duties with Doc Savage. Filming is set to begin sometime in 2017. Originally Black expressed interest in Chris Hemsworth of Marvel’s Thor but whether or not Hemsworth turned down the role or Black shelved the idea, that hasn’t stopped Black from telling media that Dwayne Johnson is the man for the job. Johnson with his chiseled good looks, defined physique, and incredible on-screen charisma would be fitting to play the Man of Bronze. And now it appears this is happening. Johnson has all but officially confirmed his role. Johnson has been one to allow his fans a peek at the behind-the-scenes of his films before and why would this nod to Doc Savage be any different. Johnson revealed via his Instagram account:
I’m reading an outline for a cool movie I’ll make in 2017 (with director Shane Black)
Through a process of elimination this film could be nothing else but Doc Savage. With Black’s Predator sequel set to start production in the fourth quarter of this year, Doc Savage‘s filming begins shortly after Predator warps-up.
Doc Savage, like The Shadow, is a pulp novel creation from the 1930’s that has remained popular over the last century through use of the mediums of comic books, radio, and film. The last film of Savage was in 1975 and starred Ron Ely in the title role. Created by publisher Henry W. Ralston and editor John L. Nanovic at Street & Smith Publications, Savage was a man physically and mentally trained from birth by his father and a team of scientists to become the perfect human specimen. Although he had no superhuman powers Savage possed peak human capabilities and a genius level intellect. Original series writer Lester Dent added his input to Ralston and Nanovic’s creation by further developing the character through the pulps.
Co-writers on the Doc Savage film will the team of Anthony Bagarozzi and Chuck Mondry. Bagarozzi not only co-wrote The Nice Guys with Black but he and Mondry have written the screen adaptation for Adam Wingard’s Death Note, based off the Japanese manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. Producers for Savage will be R.I.P.D.‘s Ori Marmur, Goosebumps‘ Neal H. Moritz, and Batman producer Michael Uslan. Co-production is by Sony Pictures Entertainment, Original Film, and DC Entertainment.
