In various stages of development for some time, the big screen adaptation of Mark Millar and Steve McNiven’s Nemesis looks to have found a new director in Joe Carnahan. Millar, via his official site, claims that the current plan is for The Grey director to helm the 20th Century Fox project with an adapted screenplay by his brother, Matthew.
First published by Marvel’s Icon imprint in 2010, Nemesis tells the story of an insane supervillain who decides to systematically take down the US government.
“Fox wanted us to get in the same room for the first time and really hash this out, which was exciting,” Millar writes. “Joe has a really brilliant take on this and Matt and he are going to take things from here so I’m really happy.”
Even though Carnahan appears to be interested in helming, the project is likely far from greenlit. Millar had previously announced an earlier version of the adaptation would be moving forward with Tony Scott directing.
Millar also offers an update on The Secret Service, an original property conceived by him and X-Men: First Class and Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn. Announced late last year the comic book is illustrated by Dave Gibbons and also published by Icon. It tells the story of a British secret agent who recruits and begins to train his rebellious nephew.
Since the first issue of the comic features a cameo appearance by actor Mark Hamill, Millar says that plans are underway to have Hamill play himself in a Vaughn-directed adaptation.
“[We] plan to make into a movie once [Vaughn has] wrapped the ‘First Class’ sequel next year,” Millar says. “Our inner-geeks are buzzing about the idea of seeing Mark H play himself on the Lucas stage if that’s where we end up filming It’ll be eighteen months at least before we get into a ‘Secret Service’ movie since ‘X-Men 2’ is such a huge commitment for Matthew.”
Vaughn’s X-Men: Days of Future Past is planned for a July 18, 2014 release.
