What was apparently an official thing back in 2014 is now official once again. Mark Wahlberg is bringing the Six Billion Dollar Man to the big screen and there’s an official start date in 2016 for a release in 2017. Amazing, right?
Deadline and Variety are both reporting the update, noting that Damián Szifron has written the script and will direct, while Wahlberg is starring and producing:
“I’m thrilled to assemble ‘The Six Billion Dollar Man’ for the big screen with the likes of Bob Weinstein and Damián Szifron,” said Wahlberg. “We look forward to creating a Steve Austin for the 21st century…”
“Writing the screenplay was such a fantastic ride and embarking on this journey with Mark, Bob and Stephen to take this story to a whole new level is simply spectacular,” said Szifron. “Growing up, these kind of films left an indelible mark on me and now it feels so good to be making one.”
The initial reports back in 2014 had Peter Berg stepping in to direct, but it would seem that the delay in getting the project started has put him out of the picture. And as the quote says, this isn’t some additional tale or continuation of the original. We’re getting a new Steve Austin, he is going to be enhanced and it’s running $6 billion now instead of just $6 million. Still not as bad as the F-35.
