Anyone who suffered through a high school English class knows Joseph Conrad’s war tome Heart of Darkness. And anyone who has done the same in a Representations of Vietnam class in film school (i.e. me) has thoroughly analyzed Apocalypse Now, Francis Ford Coppola’s modern take on Conrad’s classic work. Both texts conveyed the horrors of war and man’s descent into barbarism, but I always felt as though they were missing something. Then I realized what it was – they weren’t set in outer space.

Three decades after Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando had it out in the jungle, a new reimagining on the story is in the works. Peter Cornwell (The Haunting in Connecticut) was originally slated to helm a science fiction version of the story as adapted by screenwriters Tony Gilgio and Branden R.Morgan, but Moviehole reported that Species director Roger Donaldson has potentially stepped in replace him. The news isn’t the only change to the project, as the title Apocalypse 2388 has reverted back to its original name Into Darkness.

Regardless, the whole concept sounds bizarre. Read the synopsis below if you already don’t believe me:

Earth is on the brink of extinction. Legendary explorer KURTZ is sent on a desperate mission to scout an unknown planet on the far side of the universe. A planet that may sustain human life.

When communication with Kurtz mysteriously ceases, rookie flight officer MARLOW is assigned the perilous task of completing the objective. Tracking Kurtz into the unknown he reaches the new planet to find a race at the dawn of time.

However, Kurtz has his own plans for the new world and man’s last hope for survival. To achieve it he will Marlow into the heart of darkness to protect paradise.

Gary Hamilton (The Bank Job) and Ted Field (Zathura) are producing the film, which will begin shooting in Australia.

Do you think Heart of Darkness needs another adaptation, especially one set in space? Would you watch it?