So Michael Mann's Blackhat didn't fare so well. Audiences genuinely didn't seem to care a lick about the cyber-thriller even though it had Thor running around in it. But apparently that's not going to prevent Mann from launching his next project, a biopic on legendary car designer, race car driver, and entrepreneur Enzo Ferrari.
Variety reports Mann will take the helm for Ferrari, with plans to shoot next year after being shopped at Cannes. The script will be written by Troy Kennedy Martin (The Italian Job) and David Rayfield (Out of Africa), combining elements of their previous screenplays. Mann had been attached at one time to direct another Ferrari film, an adaptation of Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans, but that never got moving and this should be a worthy replacement.
There's just one small problem, Mann's Heat star Robert De Niro has a rival project in the works. An Italian newspaper revealed the news (via The Guardian) of De Niro's upcoming role as Ferrari in another movie, with the actor saying “It is an honour to tell the life of an extraordinary man who revolutionised the world of motor sport. The film will go into production soon, mostly in Italy, and has absolute priority over all my other projects.” This one will be written by Stephen J Rivele and Christopher Wilkinson (Nixon) and has Clint Eastwood interested in directing.
Doubtful we'll get both of these films so close together. Something's gotta give, right? Why not just combine forces or something?
