The continuing effort to adapt Dark Horse Comics’ R.I.P.D. has hit a few snags recently, with chosen star Ryan Reynolds’ schedule proving tricky and at least one possible co-star – Zach Galifianakis – already choosing to pass because the film hasn’t been able to get moving quickly enough. But now it looks like the producers have lined up someone to feature alongside Reynolds: Jeff Bridges is in final negotiations to star.
Reynolds will play Nick Cruz, a police officer shot dead in the line of duty. But instead of finding himself plucking a harp among the angels in Heaven, he’s instead recruited for a police force dedicated to tracking down souls who refuse to pass on and ensuring they meet their maker properly.
Assuming the deal is hammered out, Bridges will play Reynolds’ partner, a wise-cracking (and, once assumes, fairly laconic, given that they wanted Galifianakis and have now hired Bridges) officer who has been on the dead-beat since the 1800s.
We’re not sure what the filmmakers, including director Robert Schwentke, are thinking with this decision. The role calls for someone who’s had experience of tracking down bad guys during olden times, so… Oh, hang on… True what? Grit? Riiight. That. So, yeah: kind of perfect.
Universal wants this one shooting as soon as Reynolds is available and aims to have it in cinemas next year. We'll see...