Johnny Depp is apparently enjoying working with Rob Marshall on the set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, as Vulture reports he’s been cajoling the director to re-team with him on Warner Bros. proposed Thin Man remake.
The Thin Man, a popular detective novel by the great Dashiell Hammett, centers on Nick Charles, a man of leisure who investigates crime alongside his very wealthy bride, the ever-sassy Norah Charles. While the book was not a rousing success in its time, it was spun into a film in 1934 that resulted in six films, which starred William Powell and Myrna Loy, and a TV series.
Depp is urging Marshall to direct the quirky detective comedy noir, with plans to play Nick. Having seen a few of the films from the original franchise, I have to say Depp would be a lot of fun as the brilliant but eccentric trophy husband / private eye. Beyond that, I’ve enjoyed Marshall’s previous adaptations from stage (Chicago) and page (Memoirs of a Geisha). So it sounds like a promising pairing.
However, there is not yet a script for The Thin Man remake, which may make Marshall hesitant to attach himself. Further complicating matters, once Pirates 4 wraps, Marshall is set to meet with Universal to discuss directing the Broadway sensation Wicked, which already has a script and loads of buzz besides. But, as we reported last July, James Mangold (Walk the Line), J.J. Abrams (Star Trek), and Ryan Murphy (Glee) are also vying for the coveted Wicked director’s chair.
At the moment, it’s hard to say which way Marshall will go, but we’ll keep you posted.
Would you rather see Marshall take on The Thin Man or Wicked?