Sony Pictures is moving forward with its remake of the 2010 French dramaA Prophet, with the studio finally finding a director, more than two years after screenwriter Dennis Lehane came aboard to write the script.Deadlinereports thatSam Raimiis in early negotiations to direct the remake. Sony is producing theremakealongsideNeal H. Moritz’s Original Film company.
Sony Pictures obtained theremake rightsback in June 2013 to the original film. The story centers onTahar Rahim’s character, an Arab man sent to a French prison, where he becomes a mafia leader. DirectorJacques Audiard’s drama won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2010. Talks withSam Raimiare said to be in early stages, but the negotiations look promising. Here’s whatNeal H. Moritzhad to say about the remake back in 2013.
“This is an epic crime saga with compelling characters and original storytelling. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to make an English language version of the film and I am grateful to have the trust ofJacques Audiardand his producers, as well as the writers Thomas Bidegain, Nicolas Peufaillit, and Abdel Raouf Dafri.”
Neal H. Moritzwill produce alongsideToby Jaffe, although it isn’t known when production may begin.Dennis Lehanehas written the novels behind hit films such asMystic River,Gone Baby GoneandShutter Island. In recent years, he has transitioned into screenwriting withThe Drop, based on his own short story, andTravis McGee. He also wrote the novelLive by Night, which is being adapted and directed byBen Affleck.
Sam Raimimost recently directed the 2013 remakeOz: The Great and Powerfulon the big screen, but he has also been keeping busy on the small screen as well. He directed thepilotepisode and served as a writer and executive producer on Starz’sAsh Vs. Evil Dead, which has beenrenewedfor a second season. What do you think about the filmmaker taking onA Prophet?
