Trade news is confirming the advancements of new film and television projects based on a series of novels featuring late author Donald E. Westlake’s beloved “Parker” character.
Following reveals last month from Puck, first up will be Play Dirty, reuniting Iron Man 3 duo, director Shane Black and actor Robert Downey Jr., who will now follow suit in the line of actors who’ve played the “Parker” role in some capacity on the big screen, including Jason Statham, Mel Gibson and Robert Duvall.
The first project emerging from the deal will be a feature film titled “Play Dirty,” in which Downey Jr. stars as Parker, a professional thief with a brutal, mercenary work ethic. Black will direct and pen the adaptation alongside Charles Mondry and Anthony Bagarozzi. Joel Silver is attached to produce alongside Susan Downey for Team Downey and Marc Toberoff. Ezra Emanuel will co-produce.
J. Kim Murphy, Variety
Black also collaborated on Kiss Kiss Bang Bang with Silver, and with Downey Jr. and Susan Downey.