It looks like Spike Lee has found his next joint.
The Oscar-nominated filmmaker is in talks to direct "Nagasaki Deadline," Warner Bros.-based Alcon Entertainment has confirmed.
The action thriller follows an emotionally damaged FBI agent who must decipher historic events in a race to avert a terrorist plot.
The "decipher historic events" part of the logline gives me pause, as it recalls the "National Treasure" series, but I love the idea of Lee taking on terrorism, and I'm sure "Nagasaki Deadline" will be much darker than that Disney franchise.
A lot will depend on who Lee casts as the troubled FBI agent. Alcon recently produced "The Book of Eli," which starred Denzel Washington. Given the actor's long-standing professional relationship with Lee, it's possible he could wind up starring in "Nagasaki Deadline," but that's purely wishful speculation on Deal Central's part.
I'm not sure how old the character is either, but a Lee reunion with Anthony Mackie ("She Hate Me," "Sucker Free City") would also be more than welcome.
The original screenplay was written by David and Peter Griffiths ("Collateral Damage") before William Broyles Jr. ("Cast Away") performed a rewrite, after which the Griffiths returned to polish the script. They'll also serve as executive producers.
Alcon will finance the project, and the company's co-founders Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson will co-produce with Jon Landau ("Avatar"), Rae Sanchini ("Titanic") and 8:38 Productions' Kira Davis, who brought the project to Alcon.
Lee's recent narrative features include "Miracle at St. Anna" and "Inside Man." Earlier this year, the filmmaker was tied to "Brooklyn Loves MJ," although it appears that the Michael Jackson tribute project has since stalled.
Alcon recently wrapped principal photography on Luke Greenfield's romantic comedy "Something Borrowed," starring Kate Hudson, Ginnifer Goodwin and John Krasinski. The company's next release will be the urban comedy "Lottery Ticket, which Warner Bros. will distribute on Aug. 20.
Lee and Broyles are represented by CAA, while Verve's Adam Levine represents the Griffiths.
