A new Master and Commander film is reportedly in the works at 20th Century Studios. Deadline is writing that the story of Captain Jack Aubrey is to be adapted for a new generation by screenwriter Patrick Ness.
Patrick Ness via Deadline
What’s Happening:
- According to an exclusive on Deadline, 20th Century Studios is looking to develop a new Master and Commander movie with screenwriter Patrick Ness adapting the script.
- Conversations are still early in the process and no director or cast is attached at this time.
- The 2003 film released by 20th Century and like the source material was set during the Napoleonic Wars. Master and Commander follows British Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe) and his friend and naval surgeon Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany).
- The film adapted the first five books of a 21 volume series by Patrick O’Brian and 20th Century was reportedly hoping to make a sequel but it never moved forward at the studio.
- Deadline’s sources indicate that the remake would be adapted from the first novel and follow Aburey’s early days at sea, including his first command.
- This would suggest that new actors would be cast to tell the story and that Crowe and Bettany likely won’t return to reprise their roles.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World | 20th Century Studios
Did You Know?:
- Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World grossed $200 million worldwide (in 2003)
- The film received 10 Oscar nominations including one for Best Picture.
- Before he became a screenwriter, Patrick Ness wrote the book series Chaos Walking.
ICYMI – 20th Century Studios News:
- Last month it was announced that the studio has acquired Rosaline, a comedic and revisionist take on Romeo & Juliet, starring Kaitlyn Dever.
- After a series of premiere date rescheduling, the long awaited Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will skip a theatrical release and go right to Amazon Prime.
- Speaking of theatrical releases, the Ryan Reyonlds comedy Free Guy is coming to theaters this summer for an exclusive 45-day window before hitting any on demand platforms or streaming services.