Man of Steel’s Zack Synder is about to embark on an adaptation of Ayn Rand’s The Fountainhead ahead of, what was thought his next project, The Last Photograph.
The 1943 novel follows Howard Roark, an individualistic young architect who designs modernist buildings and refuses to compromise with an architectural establishment unwilling to accept innovation. Roark embodies what Rand believed to be the ideal man, and his struggle reflects Rand’s belief that individualism is superior to collectivism.
The character of Roark was based on the idea of Rand’s vision of an ideal man. The protagonist of The Fountainhead was the first instance where she believed she had achieved this. Roark embodies Rand’s egoistic moral ideals, especially the virtues of independence and integrity. It’s also worth noting that the female lead in the novel was the subject of rape at the hands of Roark.
Also in the news – Logan’s James Mangold to direct Star Wars Boba Fett spin-off feature
The Fountainhead had previously been adapted into a film back in 1949, Rand penned the screenplay. It was directed by King Vidor and starred Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal.
Since Synder walked away from Justice League with his wife due to the death of his daughter, he had been developing The Last Photograph and it was expected this would be his next film to be delivered. However, after answering a fan on Twitter what his next project was, he confirmed it would be “Fountainhead”.
It is currently unclear which studio would be attached at this stage. Synder has a long-standing deal with Warner Bros which dates back to his feature film debut. However, this could be one project made outside of the studio.
