Director F. Gary Gray is just putting the finishing touches on his latest film, Men In Black: International. However, while that film is the continuation of a classic franchise, his next project will be trying to kickstart one. Deadline reports that Gray is now developing a feature adaptation of the Saints Row video game franchise.
The Saints Row series, which currently consists of four titles, has been described as “Grand Theft Auto on acid”. That should give you an idea of the kind of thing we’re talking about here. It’s an action series which also acts as a zany third-person shooter with absurd weapons and outlandish characters.
Greg Russo, having recently penned Warner Bros.’ Mortal Kombat reboot, will write the script. Russo and Gray are reportedly trying to create a compelling narrative that focuses on the rise of the Third Street Saints as they battle rival gangs while trying to conquer the fictional cities Stilwater and Steelport.
The last instalment of the franchise was released back in 2013. Saints Row is one of the best-selling video games of all time, so it’s probably overdue for at least an attempt at a feature adaptation. Of course, video game adaptations don’t have the greatest track record. However, Gray being at the helm of a Saints Row project sounds promising.
He’s already proven he can handle high-octane ridiculousness with The Fate Of The Furious. Who’s to say he can’t transfer those ideas to this? Until we hear more about Saints Row and its absurd violence, we can instead focus on well-dressed movie stars battling aliens. Gray’s Men In Black: International hits cinemas Friday, June 14.
#Peace.Love.SaintsRow
