20th Century Fox announced today that is has signed Ghost Rider's Mark Steven Johnson to helm the upcoming re-imagining of John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China. Said Johnson on the project: "It's great because while I wasn't too familiar with the original, friends and family approach me all the time with ideas and suggestions. I'd for one like to see some actual semi action. This certaintly won't be your mother's Big Trouble."
When asked who he envisioned in the role of Jack Burton, Johnson professed an interest in comedian Dane Cook. "As the original was a comedy, there's no doubt in my mind that someone with both chops and humor had to assume the role. That's when I saw Dane Cook's [SNL] monologue. This is our Jack Burton."
Cook's reps refused comment on the casting, and it's currently unknown whether Cook will take the role or not.
Said, John Carpenter, director of the 86 original: "Whatever. It'll be interesting to see. I just get a cut of the check."
This probably means Johnson won't be helming HBO's Preacher (for shame). Personally, being one of the rare few that feels Johnson is cranking out better mainstream fare than the rest of Hollywood, I'm glad. Not a big fan of the original, but if we can expect Thunder and Lightning with full blown, no-holds-barred digital effects (the lightning of the '80s is just sooooooo bad), then I am so there. Opening day.
