Shane Black remains very busy, as the former “Lethal Weapon” screenwriter is setting up the next movies he plans to direct, and possibly write. One of the movies might be a franchise waiting to happen as well. Black is working on developing “Doc Savage,” a movie that Sony Pictures sees as a priority. That seems to make it sound like Sony is going to put some serious money into it and there might be no one better than Black to take this project on.
“Doc Savage” is based on the classic pulp character from the ’30s, a Sherlock Holmes level detective with superhuman strength. There is also the great news that Black has eyed someone for the lead role with a lot of franchise experience, starring in two of the biggest franchises in the world right now as well as another one that stumbled out the gate but is getting a second chance. Black wants Chris Hemsworth to play Doc Savage. Here is a look at Hemsworth’s experience in big budget franchises.
“Star Trek”
While it was a tiny role at the start of the first movie, Chris Hemsworth played a pivotal role in the JJ Abrams’ rebooted “Star Trek” franchise. In the movie, he stars as George Kirk, the father of the future Captain James T. Kirk. He is in the very opening of the movie where he sacrifices his own life to save everyone else, including his pregnant wife, who gives birth to James Kirk after her husband’s death.
“The Avengers”
While that was a nice start, Hemsworth became a major, blockbuster star in the Marvel movie “Thor,” playing the God of Thunder. It was perfect casting, as he really looks the role of Thor in the movie franchise. Thanks to his humor and quick timing, Hemsworth quickly became one of the most popular of the cast members of the Marvel Universe. Since then, he has appeared in “The Avengers” and “Thor: The Dark World.”
“Snow White and the Huntsman”
Finally, when Disney tried to revive the “Snow White” franchise with the blockbuster “Snow White and the Huntsman,” it was Kristen Stewart who was hired to play Snow White and was expected to carry the franchise. Thanks to the burnout of Stewart following the “Twilight Saga” as well as the tabloids covering her affair with her married director, fans tuned out the movie. However, there was one thing that still made the movie entertaining and that was Hemsworth as The Huntsman. Now, with Frank Darabont directing the sequel, there are rumors that the movie will be just about The Huntsman with Snow White eliminated completely.
