In development for some years now, DreamWorks’ action-thriller Motorcade has found a helmer in Joe Carnahan. Variety has the news, reporting that the Stretch helmer will direct the story which, in the past, has been eyed by stars like Tom Cruise and Ryan Reynolds. Carnahan will also rewrite the screenplay, which was originally picked up by the studio back in 2004 from an original pitch by Hans Bauer and Craig Mitchell. Billy Ray (The Hunger Games, Captain Phillips) has since provided a rewrite.
Originally set in New York City, Motorcade‘s action appears to have been shifted to the west coast. According to the trade, the film will now see a fictional United States President come under attack while his (or her) motorcade traverses Los Angeles. The protagonist was originally a disgraced Secret Service agent who comes to the President’s rescue. Whether or not that will stay the case as the script undergoes a rewrite remains to be seen.
Among Carnahan’s other directing credits are Narc, Smokin’ Aces and The Grey, all from his own screenplays. Recently, Carnahan also directed the pilot episodes of both “State of Affairs” and “The Blacklist” as well as several subsequent episodes of both NBC series.
Laurie MacDonald and Walter Parkes are attached to executive produce Motorcade. Check back for additional updates on the project as soon as they become available.
