Last month, a report surfaced claimingJohn Wickco-directorDavid Leitchhad backed out of co-directing the sequelJohn Wick 2, withChad Stahelskigoing solo.The Wrapreports thatDavid Leitchhas come aboard to directThe Coldest CitystarringCharlize Theron. We first reported onThe Coldest Cityback in May, when bothDavid LeitchandChad Stahelskiwere set to direct, but nowDavid Leitchwill take the helm by himself.
The project is based onAnthony Johnston’s Oni Press graphic novel of the same name, which follows a highly-trained spy (Charlize Theron) who investigates the murder of an MI6 agent, who is killed just before the collapse of the Berlin Wall. She is trying to find the list he was attempting to smuggle into the West, to protect herself and the rest of the intelligence community, which turns into a deadly game between numerous double-crossing agents. AfterCharlize Theronfound an opening to shoot the film this fall,David LeitchandChad Stahelskidecided to split up, withChad StahelskitacklingJohn Wick 2andDavid LeitchtakingThe Coldest City.
Kurt Johnstad(300: Rise of an Empire) wrote the adapted screenplay, with Charlize Theron also producing alongside her Denver and Delilah Productions partners Beth Kono and A.J. Dix, Eric Gitter and Peter Schwerin of Closed on Mondays Entertainment and Kelly McCormick of Sierra/Affinity.Chad StahelskiandDavid Leitchare also developingCowboy Ninja Viking, and the comic book adaptationBloodshot. AfterMad Max: Fury Road, Charlize Theron will next be seen inThe Huntsman.
Filming is set to begin November 16 in Budapest, with production then shifting to Berlin. Focus Features is providing the financing for the $30 million film. No further cast members have been confirmed yet, but with shooting slated to begin in just one month, we should hear about morecast memberssigning on in the very near future.
Before they directedJohn Wick,Chad StahelskiandDavid Leitchmade names for themselves as stunt performers and coordinators, running their own company called87Eleven.Chad Stahelskistarted his career in stunts by doubling forKeanu Reeveshimself inPoint Break,The Matrix,Constantineand many more, working alongsideDavid Leitch. The filmmakers have also served as second unit directors on a number of massive Hollywood productions such asThe WolverineandThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire, withDavid Leitchserving as the second unit director on a pair of upcoming sequels,Captain America: Civil WarandTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2, both arriving next year.
