Reynolds cues 'Count,' reteaming with Costner
Pic is first effort together since 'Waterworld'
Reynolds has three plum projects lined up, including the 7 Arts drama "Morton Orwell" and a Dean Georgaris-scripted adaptation of "Tristan and Isolde." The former, a Simon Davis Barry-scripted caper pic produced by Dan Grodnik, has been offered to Antonio Banderas; latter’s the story of an English knight who wins the hand of the daughter of an Irish king, which has been set up at Scott Free Prods.
But the potential project most buzzed about is "Okracoke," a historical drama that looms as a potential reteam for Reynolds and Kevin Costner, two pals who began their careers together but had a major falling out during the logistically challenged "Waterworld."
While Reynolds was essentially fired after completing production and the pic was cut by Costner, the pair are plotting a reteam — for another pic that takes place mostly on the water. But script for this one’s generally regarded as one of the best in Hollywood: It was penned by Marc Norman, who shared the best screenplay Oscar with Tom Stoppard for "Shakespeare in Love."
"Okracoke" is the true story of Robert Maynard, a disgraced British naval captain who seeks to redeem himself by hunting down the notorious pirate Blackbeard. He succeeds after a vicious battle that takes place on Okracoke, a waterway near South Carolina. Maynard cut off Blackbeard’s head and stuck it on the bow of his ship.
Several financiers are trying to make a deal on the pic, which is budgeted at about $80 million.
Reynolds, who last directed the Samuel L. Jackson starrer "187," helmed Costner’s screen debut in "Fandango," and the duo rejoined for the hit "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" before falling out on "Waterworld" — a pic that, for all of its reported logistical and budgetary woes, ultimately broke even or made money.
Before Reynolds gets to that trio of pics, he’ll helm "Count of Monte Cristo," a J. Wolpert-scripted adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ revenge classic that will be produced by Roger Birnbaum, Gary Barber and Jonathan Glickman.
Reynolds is repped by the William Morris Agency.
