James Mangold In Talks To Helm The Deep Blue Good-By

Deadline is reporting that The Wolverine helmer James Mangold is now in talks for an adaptation of The Deep Blue Good-By, based on the novel of the same name by John D. MacDonald. Originally set to star Leonardo DiCaprio (who has since departed but will still produce), the film will tell the story of Travis McGee, a “beach bum gumshoe” who often takes on jobs as a “salvage consultant” when he’s strapped for cash.

Check out the official plot summary below, courtesy of Amazon:

Travis McGee is a self-described beach bum who won his houseboat in a card game. He’s also a knight-errant who’s wary of credit cards, retirement benefits, political parties, mortgages, and television. He only works when his cash runs out, and his rule is simple: He’ll help you find whatever was taken from you, as long as he can keep half.
 
McGee isn’t particularly strapped for cash, but how can anyone say no to Cathy, a sweet backwoods girl who’s been tortured repeatedly by her manipulative ex-boyfriend Junior Allen? What Travis isn’t anticipating is just how many women Junior has torn apart and left in his wake. Enter Junior’s latest victim, Lois Atkinson.

Frail and broken, Lois can barely get out of bed when Travis finds her, let alone keep herself alive. But Travis turns into Mother McGee, giving Lois new life as he looks for the ruthless man who steals women’s spirits and livelihoods. But he can’t guess how violent his quest is soon to become. He’ll learn the hard way that there must be casualties in this game of cat and mouse.

The Deep Blue Good-By was the first in a series of mystery novels, so there’s obviously some franchise potential here. In fact, the character has appeared in 21 different books since 1964, meaning that there’s plenty of material to draw from should the film warrant a sequel or two.

No word yet on who will star as McGee or when this one will get underway but considering Mangold’s busy schedule, it might be some time before The Deep Blue Good-By hits theatres.

As aways, we’ll keep you posted when we hear more.