'Thin Man' isn't the only upcoming remake
Myrna Loy and William Powell in "The Thin Man" (1934) based on Dashiell Hammett's classic thriller. Credit: HANDOUT/
Who says they don't make movies like they used to? Judging by the number of upcoming remakes of vintage Hollywood films that are in development, it looks as if many filmmakers are spending a lot of late nights watching Turner Classic Movies for inspiration. Here are some remakes in the works.
THE THIN MAN -- If the gumshoe fits, Johnny Depp is ready to try him on for size. Depp will play martini-swilling sleuth Nick Charles in director Rob Marshall's new version of the 1934 classic. No word yet on who'll play Nick's dizzy partner in crime-solving, wife Nora (everyone from Amy Adams to Emma Stone has been mentioned), but Uggie, the scene-stealing pooch from "The Artist," would be a real bow-WOW as their lovable terrier Asta.
A STAR IS BORN -- "Star" was first born in 1937 with Fredric March as the washed-up souse of an actor who discovers Janet Gaynor and makes her a star. Then it was reborn in 1954 with Judy Garland and James Mason and again in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. Now Clint Eastwood is resurrecting the tale again with Beyoncé reportedly slated to play a rising singer and Tom Cruise her Kurt Cobain-ish mentor/lover.
THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY -- In 1947, Danny Kaye had a real dream role as James M. Thurber's milquetoast whose fantasies were far more exciting than his everyday life. Now Ben Stiller (who'll also direct) will dream on in a remake also starring Kristen Wiig, Shirley MacLaine and Patton Oswalt. Sean Penn is in talks to play "a small but pivotal role" according to Deadline.com.
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT -- Director Mimi Leder ("The Peacemaker") is preparing a remake of the 1930 best picture Oscar winner. No confirmation yet on who'll play the young German soldier who quickly learns that war is hell, but according to trade publications, Daniel Radcliffe is a front-runner.
TO CATCH A THIEF -- With a movie about the making of "Psycho" already in the works (Anthony Hopkins will play director Alfred Hitchcock), why not redo a classic by the Master of Suspense? Screenwriters Josh Stolberg ("Piranha 3-D") and Bobby Florsheim are penning the script for a remake of Hitch's 1955 comic thriller. The real catch, however, will be finding replacements for original stars Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.
