Universal taking another 'Midnight Run'

[WyldeMan45]

I read about this a few weeks ago, but here's the official announcement...

Universal and Robert De Niro are getting ready for another run.

The studio is developing a sequel to "Midnight Run," the 1988 action comedy that starred De Niro as a bounty hunter who must bring back an embezzler, played by Charles Grodin, across the country.

Timothy Dowling, the writer behind Universal's comedy "Role Models," is being brought on board to pen the script that would bring back De Niro's character, Jack Walsh, and pair him with a younger comedic foil.

"Run," while not a huge hit, was well-recieved by critics, even as it pushed the f-word count to new heights. The movie is also a touchstone for execs on road movies as well as thriller-comedies.

Although several made-for-TV movies were made as sequels -- without the original stars -- De Niro began to seriously consider a sequel during his recent "Little Fockers" shoot.

De Niro will produce with Tribeca Films partner Jane Rosenthal.

Dowling, repped by CAA and Mosaic, also worked on the upcoming comedies "She's Out of My League" and the Tom Cruise-starrer "Knight and Day." Dowling broke into the biz by penning the satire short "George Lucas in Love."

[Edo]

damn remakes the original was the bomb

[GreenScar]

It's a sequel. De Niro has signed on

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by Edo

damn remakes the original was the bomb

Yeah go ahead and read the article, and than get back to us.

[Gremal]

If it means the original comes out on BD, I'm all for it. But hard to see how the new film could successfully pick up where the last left off after all these years.

[WyldeMan45]

Charles Grodin May Reunite with Robert De Niro for MIDNIGHT RUN 2

Charles Grodin is considering a return to movies by reuniting with Robert De Niro for Midnight Run 2. Deadline reports that original director Martin Brest is also set to return. Since Grodin was in retirement, the plan was to have De Niro chasing down the son of Grodin’s mob accountant Jonathan ‘The Duke’ Mardukas. Grodin said of the project, “I’ve been led to believe by someone I won’t name that they will ask me and I will consider it.” However, Deadline notes that part of Grodin’s reluctance to return to acting is because he wants to “be home in Connecticut by nightfall.” Why nightfall? I guess Grodin fears vampires and feels safe because of the state’s strict “no-vampires” law.

Grodin was previously offered the chance to star in James Bobin’s upcoming Muppet Movie, but turned it down because he wasn’t “flying 6,000 miles to Los Angeles to work one day.” I assume the studio would be willing to put him up in a hotel for a couple nights. Also, I don’t think the distance between Connecticut and LA is 6,000 miles, but I get his point. I think Grodin is great and while I understand his reluctance about travel, I hope he’ll return to acting in movies.

[McCrutchy]

You know what disturbs me about this film, it has nothing to do with the film itself, it has to do with the fact that Charles Grodin is scarily old.

Although he looks his age now (he turned 75 this April), I simply can't believe that he was 54 when Midnight Run was released (De Niro was only 45, yet I could have easily believed he was the older of the two) and 58 when Beethoven came out in 1992. In the latter film, Grodin managed to convince me that he was in his early 40s...

[Hussun1]

Is there any news for a Blu-ray release of the original Midnight Run?

[Early Memphis]

Originally Posted by Gremal

If it means the original comes out on BD, I'm all for it. But hard to see how the new film could successfully pick up where the last left off after all these years.

Well, it's been over two years and ... nothing. So I guess it ain't happening. Still, I'm with you, if it means the original on BD, I'm all for it. I just rewatched the DVD and loved it. It may be the only "small screen" DVD that I've kept - it's that good.

[Pauliesr]

Midnight Run is one of my all time favorites! I sure wish they'd put the Blu out.

As for a sequel, DeNiro, Grodin and Brest all need to return. Anything less and I'll be very skeptical.

[P@t_Mtl]

At their age now I suppose it's going to be

Midgnight Run 2 : Running For Diapers

[Angel Eyes]

Why is this needed? So what are they going to chase each other down the halls of the rest homes? But hope to see the original on Blu Ray.

[Early Memphis]

Originally Posted by P@t_Mtl

At their age now I suppose it's going to be

Midgnight Run 2 : Running For Diapers

Now, let's not be nasty. But they are probably too old now. It's a pity, 'cause they already had a title - The Next Life. The way they used that phrase in the original, I thought/hoped they were setting up a sequel.

[sanjay0864]

Supposedly, Universal is in talks with Brett Ratner to direct 'Midnight Run 2'. Is it just me, or the idea of this sequel seems to be getting worse?