Donald E. Westlake's novels have been adapted for the screen several times in the past, for films including Parker and What's The Worst That Could Happen? His work will fuel what could be an even higher-profile project, as Ryan Gosling is attached to star in The Actor.
Duke Johnson adapted the script alongside Stephen Cooney from Westlake's book Memory. Gosling will play New York actor Paul Cole, who is beaten and left for dead in 1950s Ohio. Stripped of his memory and stranded in a mysterious small town, Paul struggles to get back home, piece together and reclaim the life and identity he’s lost.
Before he shoots that film, Gosling is primed to co-star with Chris Evans in The Gray Man for the Russo brothers.