Because Hollywood clearly believes we can tolerate even more sword-clashing films in addition to those already making their way through development or romping across our screens, Universal is in final negotiations to buy up Kyle Ward’s Arabian Knights.
Variety reports that the studio is, not unexpectedly, keeping the story idea a secret for now, which might just be because production company FilmDistrict already has a project called Arabian Nights bubbling away.
That one, which features Liam Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins and Dwayne “Bring It” Johnson attached, has Chuck Russell ready to direct a tale of a bold young commander who joins forces with Sinbad and the genie to rescue Princess Scheherazade from the clutches of an evil enemy who threatens the kingdom.
Back in Knights territory, we assume it’ll boast feats of daring do, villainous types plotting villainy and, oh... magic? Probably. Brian Grazer is throwing his production weight behind it, so expect any likely end result to be lavish.
Universal clearly seems to like Ward’s work, having grabbed noir thriller Fiasco Heights – described as a Sin City-alike story - which finds a hit man and a failed private eye tying to find a missing woman. Oh, and he’s also written drafts of both the Kane & Lynch script (wonder if that one will actually get made) and Hitman 2 scripts, and is currently at work adapting video game Devil May Cry for Sony.