In a curious albeit understandable move,Non-StopandThe ShallowsfilmmakerJaume Collet-Serrahas opted not to direct Warner Bros.’ DCEU sequelSuicide Squad 2. The director has been eyed by many studios for a number of projects as of late, but when he emerged as the frontrunner to helmSuicide Squad 2it seemed likely he was going to join the DCEU as Warner Bros. works to course-correct (somewhat) in the wake ofWonder Woman’s success.
However, per Deadline, Collet-Serra has now signed on to directJungle Cruisefor Disney, an adaptation of the popular theme park ride thatDwayne Johnsonhas been developing as a star-vehicle since 2015. In makingJungle Cruisehis next project, Collet-Serra now withdraws from the running to helmSuicide Squad 2, leaving Warner Bros. still on the hunt for a filmmaker for the DCEU movie.
David Ayerhas been confirmed asnotreturning to directSuicide Squad 2, and Warner Bros. initially approachedMel Gibsonfor the gig before moving on to Collet-Serra. Other names previously in the mix wereJonathan Levine(Warm Bodies) andDaniel Espinosa(Life), who may resurface, as well asRuben Fleischer(Zombieland) who has since moved on to directingVenomfor Sony.
Deadline says that the allure of crafting an action-adventure franchise from the ground up, in the vein ofIndiana Jones, was more appealing than stepping into an already established franchise, so Collet-Serra settled onJungle CruiseoverSuicide Squad 2. The Disney film will be set in the 1920s, usingThe African Queenas inspiration, and the idea is to emulate the success ofPirates of the Caribbean.J.D. PayneandPatrick McKay(Star Trek Beyond) wrote the most recent draft of the script.
Johnson was aiming high forJungle Cruise, revealing recentlyhe wantedPatty Jenkins(Wonder Woman) to direct. This now firms the movie up as one of Johnson’s next projects after he completes the original blockbusterSkyscraper, which is shooting now, and Disney is no doubt happy to firm up a film on Johnson’s incredibly busy development slate.
But the biggest bummer about this news is it puts Johnson’s involvement inShane Black’sDoc Savagein doubt. Black has been developing a film based on the pulp novels for a long time now, and that hero is also somewhat in the vein of Indiana Jones—an adventurer in the 1930s and 40s with smarts, charm, and brawn in equal measure. Black is in post-production onThe Predatorbut had hoped to getDoc Savageoff the ground in the wake ofIron Man 3. But with Johnson taking on a similar character type inJungle Cruise, which is now firming up as a “go” project, not to mention the upcomingJumanji, it seems unlikely he’ll do the same for Black inDoc Savage, putting that film’s future unfortunately in doubt.
But you’re able to now addJungle Cruiseto Disney’s growing slate of live-action films based on existing IP. With Dwayne Johnson firmly in the fold, the Mouse House is yet another step closer to ruling the world.
