It has been plagued by problems – cast members dropped out, potential directors turned it down. Now it appears revenge-fueled action-thriller MOTOR CITY has shut down production, leaving the project effectively in limbo.
The film was set to be directed by Albert Hughes (THE BOOK OF ELI), who was confirmed after a number of directors came and went. Then THE DEVIL’S DOUBLE Dominic Cooper (who was to take on the lead role) dropped out. His replacements – Jake Gyllenhaal and Jeremy Renner – both became unavailable, causing them to back away from the project. Gerard Butler was the latest name to join Mickey Rourke and Adrien Brody (who had signed on recently to portray the villain). However, it looks as if everything has come to a halt…
The financiers give this statement regarding the decision:
‘Faced with the realities of a very short post-production schedule and complicated visual and special effects, the producers have decided to push back production on Albert Hughes’ Motor City. We are dedicated to delivering top-tier productions such as 2 Guns starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg which is currently in production and Peter Berg’s Lone Survivor which is in pre-production. The circumstances surrounding this project made it impossible to meet the firm March 31st delivery date without compromising the quality of the film’.
We’ll keep you posted if, or when, MOTOR CITY starts its engine once again!
Source: Deadline