Robert Zemeckis Boards ‘Marwencol’, Wants Leonardo DiCaprio For Lead
Robert Zemeckiscould follow up one fact-based live-action drama with another. The filmmaker has signed on to directMarwencol, based on the acclaimed 2010 documentary of the same title. While no stars are currently attached, Zemeckis and Universal are hoping to land a big-name actor likeLeonardo DiCapriofor the lead.
At the center of the story isMark Hogancamp, a man who emerged from a head injury with severe amnesia. As therapy, he started constructing a 1/6 scale model of a World War II-era Belgian village. Hit the jump for more details on this project and Hogancamp’s remarkable story.
In April 2000, Hogancamp was attacked by five men outside a bar. He slipped into a coma, and awoke nine days later with no knowledge of his life, friends, or family. As a way to help him recover, physically and psychologically, he starts to construct the tiny town of Marwencol in his backyard, complete with figurines to play out various narratives.
Zemeckis' film is expected to weave together narratives set in Marwencol and in the real world. He’ll be helped by screenwriterCaroline Thompson, who previously scriptedEdward Scissorhands,The Nightmare Before Christmas, andCorpse Bride.
Although Zemeckis is still in talks to direct Lionsgate’s Charlie Kaufman-scripted YA adaptationChaos Walking,Marwencolis likely to move first. One of the first tasks will be to find a high-profile leading man. DiCaprio is said to be Zemeckis' first choice, although his busy schedule may ultimately put him out of contention.
Zemeckis last directedFlight, inspired by the 2000 crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261. It was his first live-action film sinceCast Awayin 2000.
