Fans of Ray Bradbury's classic novel FAHRENHEIT 451 that have been waiting patiently for the new big screen adaptation have reason to rejoice. Frank Darabont, while out promoting his new film THE MAJESTIC, confirmed he's hard at work on a new script.
Originally made into a film in 1966 by Francois Truffaut, FAHRENHEIT 451 has long been considered a novel begging to be done right. The futuristic tale about book burning and an oppressive military run government has had Mel Gibson and his Icon Films attached to it since the mid 1990s. But of late Gibson had stopped calling it his next film (again).
Speaking in Beverly Hills Darabont said, "I had heard that Mel had given up on wanting to direct it himself so I went to him and said, 'Mel, how about me?' And he's actually been very kind about allowing me to kind of marry Icon and Castle Rock, Castle Rock being my home. And I'm very excited to be doing it."
While Darabont said he'll take his time to get the script just right (something he did that pleased Stephen King fans when he adapted King's THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and THE GREEN MILE for the big screen), he failed to mention whether he'd direct it personally.
"I am really looking forward to slowing down for a couple of years," Darabont said. "It's been five years non stop and I'm really pretty toasted."
He also added that Mel was no longer interested in playing the lead role of the fireman book burner who has a change of heart. Darabont explained, "Mel said, rightly so, that it should be a younger man. Somebody who is in their late 20s. In fact Bradbury wrote the character as a 30 year old who is that perfect Hitler Youth who is just beginning to realize that there's some bad s--t out there. It should be about that young guy who's getting to the point of losing his faith. It's a brilliant brilliant brilliant story and I love and respect Mr. Truffaut but I donąt think he quite nailed it."
While production may be years down the line Darabont hinted they'd be looking for a Paul Walker type of actor.
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