Revenant Reborn Under Hillcoat

In Hollywood, plenty of movies you would think are a no brainer to get made don't. Why, is not always an easy answer. Often the studio is afraid the concept won't sell. Other times the budget is too high, but regardless of the reasons why, they never happen. One film that seemed like it would never happen, just may have found the light of day. Read the full report after the jump...

News broke today that director John Hillcoat (The Road and The Proposition) is attached to direct "The Revenant." The novel penned by Micahel Punke follows the true events of a trapper named Hugh Glass who is mauled by a bear and left for dead by his associates along the Missouri River in 1822. Devin Faraci over at CHUD tells us that the project originally had Park Chan-Wook attached to direct and Samuel L. Jackson to star.

Fast forward almost a year later and thanks to the guys over at Bloody Disgusting and we know "The Revenant" is being produced by Anonymous Content with John Hillcoat attached to direct. That is not all. Word is that Christian Bale is circling the lead role of Hugh Glass. Also confirmed in the report, Vacancy scribe Mark L. Smith will pen the screenplay adaptation to Punke's action and revenge filled book.

Here's the official synopsis to Michael Punke's novel The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge - In 1822, at age 36, Hugh Glass escapes, finds his way to St. Louis and enters the employ of Capt. Andrew Henry, trapping along tributaries of the Missouri River. After surviving months of hardship and Indian attack, he falls victim to a grizzly bear. His throat nearly ripped out, scalp hanging loose and deep slashing wounds to his back, shoulder and thigh, Glass appears to be mortally wounded. Initially, Captain Henry refuses to abandon him and has him carried along the Grand River. Unfortunately, the terrain soon makes transporting Glass impossible. Even though his death seems certain, Henry details two men, a fugitive mercenary, John Fitzgerald, and young Jim Bridger (who lived to become a frontier hero) to stand watch and bury him. After several days, Fitzgerald sights hostile Indians. Taking Glass's rifle and tossing Bridger his knife, Fitzgerald flees with Bridget, leaving Glass. Enraged at being left alone and defenseless, Glass survives against all odds and embarks on a 3,000-mile-long vengeful pursuit of his ignominious betrayers.

I could not be more excited for this property for a variety of reasons. Number one, I'm a Westward Expansionist enthusiast and historian. Spending quite a few years of my collegiate experience focusing solely on the West and it's gripping stories. Michael Punke's novel sounds ripe for a wonderful translation to screen. Which leads to the selection of John Hillcoat to direct. Hillcoat is one of my favorite up and coming directors. His last two features The Road and The Proposition have him in a class of directors that you watch out for. Hillcoat furthermore has the perfect eye for "The Revenant." If you've seen The Proposition, you know what I'm taking about. Lastly with Christian Bale circling the role of Hugh Glass, how could you not start jumping for joy. Like Hillcoat, he is perfect for the film. Stay tuned for further updates as they become available...

Source: Bloody Disgusting | CHUD