“X-Men” director Bryan Singer is ready to run.
The filmmaker is in negotiations to develop and direct “Logan’s Run,” based on the sci-fi novel about a youth-obsessed society where residents are euthanized once they turn 21.
The story centers on Logan, a police officer whose job it is to track down those who run from their fate. But with his 21st birthday fast approaching, he decides to run as well and search for Sanctuary, a fabled place where older folks live.
MGM adapted the book into a 1976 movie starring Michael York as well as a TV series the following year. The ’76 version changed the age of euthanasia to 30. Warner Bros. acquired the film rights for “Matrix” producer Joel Silver.
“Bryan is going back to the original material,” Silver said. “He is such a magical guy, and he has reinvented this thing. He has re-envisioned the story and the characters and will tackle themes of what it’s like to grow up and grow old.”
The new version is being scripted by Paul Todisco and Ethan Gross, who will work closely with Singer. The novel was written by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson.
“It’s going to be about two best friends who ultimately take different paths because of ideology, circumstances and a woman who comes between them,” said Singer, who has not settled on the euthanasia age.
The original movie left an impression on the young Singer. “My father took me to see the film, and at the time, it was dazzling and evocative,” he said. “It was also the first time I had seen onscreen nudity. I remember being stunned.”
The director is expected to shoot the project before tackling a third “X-Men” movie. He also is helping write an X-Men comic for Marvel Comics, titled “Bryan Singer Presents: Ultimate X-Men.” His other credits include “Apt Pupil” and “The Usual Suspects.”