On the heels of their The Monuments Men opening, George Clooney and Grant Heslov are, according to The Hollywood Reporter, making plans to produce an English-language remake of the 2013 Norwegian thriller, Pioneer. Directed by Erik Skjoldbjærg, the original film is officially described as follows:
Set in the early 80’s, “Pioneer” takes place at the beginning of the Norwegian Oil Boom. Enormous oil and gas deposits are discovered in the North Sea and the authorities aim to bring the oil ashore through a pipeline from depths of 500 meters. A professional diver, Petter is obsessed with reaching the bottom of the Norwegian Sea. Along with his brother Knut he has the discipline, strength and courage to take on the world’s most dangerous mission. But a sudden, tragic accident changes everything. Petter is sent on a perilous journey where he loses sight of who’s pulling the strings. Gradually he realizes that he is in way over his head and that his life is at stake.
Sony Pictures is now negotiating to secure the rights to Pioneer for Clooney and Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures. The trade notes that Clooney has not made any indication that he plans to make the film a directing project nor is Heslov attached to write.
