Deadline reports that Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman is reteaming with Joe and Anthony Russo to produce and star in the action thriller17 Bridges from STXfilms. The studio, which acquired the spec script back in 2016, reportedly beat out Sony, Warner Bros and Universal for the project.
Brian Kirk (Luther, Game of Thrones) has signed on to direct from a script by Adam Mervis. It follows a disgraced NYPD detective (Boseman) who, after being thrust into a citywide manhunt for a cop killer, is given a shot at redemption.
The Russo Brothers will produce the pic with Boseman and his writing and producing partner Logan Coles, while Mike Larocca will serve as the executive producer via their AGBO banner. STXfilms’ Drew Simon and Kate Vorhoff will oversee the film’s production, slated to commence in September.
“STX has assembled a dream team of collaborators on ’17 Bridges,’ bringing together the global talents behind two of the biggest action films ever made to give audiences a thrilling new take on the race-against-the-clock crime-drama,” STXfilms chairman Adam Fogelson said. “Chadwick Boseman’s razor-sharp instincts and undeniable charisma captivated millions of people around the world in ‘Black Panther,’ and Joe and Anthony Russo have breathed a new energy into the action genre with films like ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’” Fogelson added. “Their unique and intelligent approach to filmmaking is anything but formulaic, and with Brian Kirk at the helm directing, this film promises to go beyond the typical popcorn fare.”
Variety states that in addition to starring in Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War, Boseman toplined “42,” “Get on Up,” and “Marshall.” Boseman and Coles are also set to produce the film adaptation of Hakeem Oluseyi’s memoir “The Stars in My Soul,” which has been picked up by Working Title. The duo worked together on 2016’s “Message From the King,” which Boseman starred in and executive produced, and Coles co-produced.
Are you excited to see more from this rising star? Will Chadwick Boseman bring the same thunder to his new project that we saw in Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity Wars? Let Nerdbot know in the comments and get the conversation started!
Loryn Stone has dedicated her life to the written Word of the Nerd. Her writing has also been published on other pop culture websites such as Cracked, LoadScreen, PopLurker, and Temple of Geek. Her debut young-adult novel "My Starlight" (a contemporary love letter to fandom, friendship, anime, cosplaying, love, and loss) is out now by Affinity Rainbow Publications.
When she's not writing, Loryn's other interests include collecting robots (Megazords, specifically), playing bass, and blasting metal.
