Per Collider, Quentin Tarantino has tapped Jerrod Carmichael to co-write a Django/Zorro movie based on the crossover comic book series of the same name.
Written by Tarantino and published in part by DC Comics, the series served as a sequel to the director’s 2012 film, Django Unchained. Taking place a few years after the events of the film, Django is still a bounty hunter, however since there’s a warrant on his head back east, he’s been plying his trade in the western states.
Having safely settled his wife in Chicago, he takes to the road, sending her funds when a job is completed. By chance, he encounters an ageing Zorro, and finds himself fascinated by the enigmatic character. Before long, Django becomes Zorro’s de-facto bodyguard and joins him on a mission to free the local indigenous people from slavery.
The idea of a movie adaptation first surfaced in 2014 in the wake of the Sony hack, with several emails between Tarantino and then-Sony boss Amy Pascal discussing the potential film. Now, the idea is very real and Carmichael is working on the script. Sources currently differ on whether Carmichael is writing on his own with oversight from Tarantino, or if they’re writing together with another unknown writer.
It’s also currently unclear if Django/Zorro is set up at Sony. However they did handle the international release of Django Unchained, and are also releasing Tarantino’s new film, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. It’s possible that with Tarantino’s cache, he’s simply developing the project and will give Sony first dibs considering their working history.
It’s also up in the air right now if Tarantino would direct. He’s stated for years that he intends to retire following his tenth film. Hollywood is his ninth, and it seems unlikely he would finish his career with a sequel-type crossover like Django/Zorro.
He’ll likely end up as producer/writer of the film, although he rarely produces movies he doesn’t direct. He did serve as an executive producer on friend Eli Roth‘s Hostel movies.
Carmichael is the standup comic who created The Carmichael Show, which earned rave reviews for its handling of sensitive topics such as race. He’s also currently writing the 48 Hours remake with the Safdie Brothers, and has also been developing his own directorial debut, On The Count Of Three, which he will also star in alongside Christopher Abbott.
It’s very possible he ends up directing Django/Zorro if Tarantino already likes him enough to hand him the keys to the screenplay. This is a fascinating project. One that would be surprising – but exciting – to see on the big screen.
#Peace.Love.Django/Zorro
