The Michael B. Jordan-led action thriller The Silver Bear has found its director. Gerard McMurray, who has recently helmed The First Purge and the Netflix movie Burning Sands, has signed on to direct the film. McMurray already has history with Jordan, as he produced the Ryan Coogler-directed drama Fruitvale Station back in 2013.
The Silver Bear tells the story of Columbus, who becomes the most feared and respected hitman in the criminal underworld. When he learns his next job is to assassinate presidential candidate Abe Mann – a man with a connection to Columbus’ past – he realises that those behind the plot may be scheming to set him up.
The source material rights were optioned last year. Lionsgate plan for the film to launch a new franchise for Jordan. Having seen McMurray work magic with lower budgets, the hope is that with a larger one, he can craft something epic. The director said of his re-teaming with Jordan:
“Fruitvale Station changed our lives. Six years later I’m reuniting with Michael in 2019 and directing him in one of the most exciting and intelligent kick-ass action projects Hollywood and Lionsgate has cooking. It’s beyond dreams”.
Frank Baldwin will pen the adaptation of Derek Haas‘ book. Nickel City initially optioned the rights, before attaching Jordan to star and produce. That package was then brought to Lionsgate and the project got rolling.
McMurray concluded:
“Michael is an amazing, one-of-a-kind talent. He will bring a chilling and unnerving edge, authenticity and precision to the character of Columbus. The Silver Bear is an incredible hunt-and-chase story about the most skilled and feared hitman in the underworld and I have a unique vision for how I want to bring that to life”.
#Peace.Love.TheSilverBear
