It was way back in 2012 that Warner Bros. first revealed plans to bring Mandrake the Magician to the big screen, but the project seems to finally be gaining some traction thanks to the apparent addition of Sacha Baron Cohen as the titular character. The Brothers Grimsby and Alice Through the Looking Glass has yet to star in a comic book movie, and this is an interesting choice. Mandrake however is neither a Marvel nor DC Comics character.
Instead, he was created way back in 1934 by The Phantom’s Lee Falk. Mandrake the Magician is an illusionist and escape artist with the power to hypnotize his foes. With his companion Lothar, he travels the globe solving mysteries and fighting evildoers – including his twin brother who uses his powers for evil instead than good. Sounds like fun, right?
The plan apparently is to update the character for the 21st Century, while the plot will revolve around him being recruited by the United States government for a secret mission.
Etan Cohen (Get Hard) is set to direct, and all the signs are pointing to this being a comedy rather than a typical comic book blockbuster. That’s no bad thing of course, and with the popularity of the Now You See Me franchise, it definitely feels like there’s room for a little more magic in Hollywood. More details on this one will hopefully be revealed soon.
