- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
Hot Wheels is about to get into gear.
The Legendary project is based on the classic Mattel toy car line and has been seeking a director to put in the driver’s seat.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Simon Crane, the veteran second-unit director who is coming off of World War Z, and Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, best known for directing 28 Weeks Later, are the front-runners for the high-octane gig.
PHOTOS: 26 of Summer’s Most Anticipated Movies
Art Marcum and Matt Holloway wrote the script for the project, which is intended to be more Mission: Impossible than Fast & Furious.
Legendary is hoping to get the movie revving in the first quarter of 2014. It is intended to be part of Legendary’s second wave of movies that counts Spectral, Godzilla and As Above So Below among them. (The first wave includes 42, Pacific Rim and Seventh Son.) And it is likely to end up at Universal, the company’s new home starting in 2014, after its term deal with Warner Bros. expires.
A decision on a director is expected to be made in the coming weeks after a series of presentations, according to a source.
PHOTOS: Behind the Wheels of Hollywood’s Favorite Cars
Crane is considered one the premiere second-unit directors in the business, with credits including Salt, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Troy. He is also one of Hollywood’s top stunt coordinators. He has been attached to make his directorial debut on several projects, but none has reached the starting line.
Fresnadillo just came on board to direct Villain, a psychological thriller that has Shia LaBeouf attached to star. The project is in development at Start Motion Pictures.
Related Stories
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day