Universal has picked up the rights to Fire – the graphic novel by Brian Michael Bendis. Zac Efron is attached to star and will exec produce with his manager, Jason Barrett according to Heat Vision.
Written and drawn by Bendis before he went on to become one of Marvel Comics’ top writers, the story centers on a college student who is inducted into a special CIA project that tests whether training ordinary citizens to be agents can be successful. I’ve not read it, but sounds a bit like the TV show, Alias.
Bleeding Cool have this synopsis: Fire is the story of a college student Ben Furst recruited into the CIA, posing as a journalist with assassination duties around the world, before he realises he may be the subject of an assassination order himself.
Bendis is also on board to write the adaptation. When he is on the ball Bendis’ stuff is top notch – Powers is great and his dialogue can be fantastic. Of course some of his Marvel work has been a bit hit or miss for my taste, but the real world setting of Fire should be good to see.
Efron has just starred in Me and Orson Welles and The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud, while Bendis has an adaptation of his graphic novel “Jinx” set up at the studio.
Fair play to Efron for changing his style and moving on from the Disney High School Musical Days. Good thinking for a young star to keep their career going.
Have you read Fire? Is Efron a good choice? Do you think he could carry an action role?
You can pick up the original graphic novel at the links below.
Fire Definitive Collection – Amazon.co.uk
Fire at Amazon.com
