Say what you like about 2008’s The Day The Earth Stood Still – it was a bit rubbish after all – but it is arguable how much blame lies with director Scott Derrickson. More than willing to point at Keanu Reeves and tut, I am genuinely excited by the news that he is to direct Goliath, a contemporary update of the Bible’s (you know the one) David and Goliath tale.
Having previously directed The Exorcism of Emily Rose – an exorcism movie with a difference, part above par possession tale and part courtroom drama – Derrickson has a visual flourish which could help to bring the timeless story into the 21st Century – in a similar vein to Zack Snyder’s popular 300.
The story is spurred into action by a prophesy: foretelling young shepherd David as future king of the Israelites. After warrior giant Goliath is dispatched to track him down, David is forced into a dangerous adventure – his loved ones and people hanging in the balance as he is forced to take action. As the inevitable confrontation looms ever closer, the arena is set for a timeless tale of one man’s battle for everything.
Producing duties for this period actioner will fall to Relativity’s Ryan Kavanaugh and Temple Hill’s Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen, while John D. Payne and Patrick McKay’s script is set to be modernised before Goliath enters production. More news as it comes.
