After Safe House put him on the map, helmer Daniel Espinosa quickly became the go-to guy for mainstream crime dramas and action-thrillers, but now, as he finishes putting final touches on historical thriller Child 44, it seems the director is tackling something different for his next project. Espinosa is now in talks to direct Warner Bros.’ top-secret sci-fi project Morningstar.
Details are being kept under wraps, but the project is possibly being eyed as a series starter, involving “world-building” and being described as “in the tradition of a Cold War thriller.” David Birke (13 Sins, Paul Verhoeven’s upcoming stalker movie Elle) wrote the script, suggesting that Morningstar may involve at least some horror elements. Doug Davison (Oldboy) will produce.
Espinosa has had his pick of projects in recent months. With Child 44 attracting positive buzz in the weeks leading up to its April 17 bow, he’s been flirting with titles like Assassin’s Creed (now to be directed by Justin Kurzel), Boston Marathon Bombing drama Boston Strong and Jo Nesbø adaptation Blood on Snow, though it’s unclear which of those will move forward first.
Morningstar certainly sounds like a curious project for Warner Bros., but its choice of Espinosa shows a commitment to turning out a strong final product. More on this as it emerges.
