Chris Pratt is reteaming with the Russo brothers. The actor has signed on to star as one of the leads inSaigon Bodyguards, a remake of the 2016 Vietnamese action/comedy of the same name. Pratt will star alongside Wu Jing. Universal Pictures is behind the project and, considering all of the talent involved, they have reason to think they might have a big hit on their hands.
According to multiple reports,Chris Prattwill produce and star inSaigon Bodyguards. Joe Russo and Anthony Russo will also produce through their AGBO production company. Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck (What Men Want,Veep) are penning the screenplay. There is no word yet on who will end up in the director’s chair. Ken Ochiai was at the helm for the original.
The originalSaigon Bodyguardscenters on two bodyguards who let an important asset get away. The project represents a reunion for Chris Pratt and the Russos. Joe and Anthony Russo previously directedAvengers: Infinity WarandAvengers: Endgame. Pratt appeared in both movies asStar-Lord, reprising his role from theGuardians of the Galaxymovies.Infinity Wargrossed more than $2 billion worldwide andEndgamewent on to become the highest-grossing movie in history, overtaking James Cameron’sAvatar. So this is surely a welcome reunion.
As for Wu Jing,the Russo brothersalso consulted onWolf Warrior 2, which the actor starred in. It ranks as one of the highest-grossing non-English language releases ever, taking in $870 million at the global box office. Again, this adds fuel to the fire that Universal has all of the pieces in place for a hit here. Executive Vice President of Production Matt Reilly will oversee the project for the studio.
Understandably so, Joe and Anthony Russo have become some of the most sought-after creative talents in Hollywood right now. Since wrapping up their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, they have amassed a growling slate of projects includingCherry, their upcoming directorial effort starring Tom Holland. The Russos were also behind Netflix’sExtraction, which starred Chris Hemsworth. The movie performed exceedingly well and a sequel is currently in the works.Netflixadditionally picked upThe Gray Man, which has Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans attached to star. It is said to be their biggest financial commitment ever for a movie.
As for Chris Pratt, this adds to his ever-growing list of high-profile movies. The actor is set to return as Owen Grady inJurassic World: Dominion, which recently wrapped filming for a summer 2022 release. He will also return as Star-Lord inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which has been on Marvel’s to-do list for some time. Pratt is also attached to star in the long-gestating adaptation ofCowboy Ninja Viking. There is no word yet on when filming is expected to begin onSaigon Bodyguardsbut it does sound like a project in the relatively early stages. We’ll be sure to keep you posted as further details are made available. This news was previously reported byVariety.
