According to Variety:

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111796938...3&cs=1&nid=2564

Depp goes Gonzo again
Actor to star in 'The Rum Diary'
By DIANE GARRETT
Depp

Johnny Depp will channel Hunter S. Thompson once again in Warner Independent's adaptation of "The Rum Diary."
Thesp is producing with Graham King, who acquired rights to Thompson's novel for his GK Films shingle and Depp's Infinitum Nihil outfit. Bruce Robinson ("Withnail and I") will write and direct the adaptation, which Film Engine is also producing.

Depp will play Paul Kemp, a freelance journo writing for a rundown newspaper in 1950s Puerto Rico and surrounded by a bunch of lost souls bent on self-destruction. The journo was 22 when he wrote the autobiographical novel and had yet to develop his trademark gonzo style. It was written in 1959 but not published until 1998.

Depp previously starred in the bigscreen adaptation of Thompson's psychedelic-soaked adventures chronicled in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," published in 1972.

Depp just finished work on "Sweeney Todd" and is expected to do "The Rum Diary" after "Shantaram," Mira Nair's adaptation of the novel about an Australian drug addict who resumes his life of crime after escaping to India.

Infinitum and King are producing that project with Plan B.

Depp has a series of other projects in the works with King through Infinitum, which recently reupped its deal with King. They include an adaptation of "Dark Shadows" (Daily Variety, July 27) and "Sasha's Story: The Life and Death of a Russian Spy."

King's GK Films banner is skedded to begin lensing "The Young Victoria" with Emily Blunt this summer.

Besides "Withnail and I," Robinson previously penned "The Killing Fields." He also wrote and directed "How to Get Ahead in Advertising" and "Jennifer 8."

I hope that he enjoyed the vacation that he just had because it sounds as though he is going to be busy from now on.

Nicci :captainjack

I am hoping for The Ginger Man instead of this one.

Thanks tho Donna for the article. lol

That's what I thought.
And thanks again for sharing The Rum Diary news :claphands

This in from Hollywood Reporter

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/conten...fc27ed004da745e


King, WIP toast 'Rum' with DeppBy Gregg Goldstein

July 30, 2007

Johnny Depp (Getty Images photo)
NEW YORK -- Hunter S. Thompson's 1959 novel "The Rum Diary," first published in 1998 and set for film adaptation in 2000, may finally reach the screen with star-producer Johnny Depp, Warner Independent Pictures and Graham King's GK Films.

GK acquired all rights to the late author's autobiographical first novel for Depp to star in and produce with King and WIP through his Infinitum Nihil production company. The film also will be produced with Film Engine, with A.J. Dix, Anthony Rhulen and William Shively attached alongside Robert Kravis and Greg Shapiro.

Bruce Robinson, whose 1987 comedy "Withnail & I" gained a cult following, is writing the adapted screenplay and directing.

"Rum Diary" is loosely based on Thompson's experience working as a freelance journalist in Puerto Rico in the late '50s. Depp will play a reporter who works alongside a motley crew of self-destructive staffers at a struggling San Juan newspaper, where an erotic love triangle emerges.

A GK spokesperson said it is hoped that production will begin shortly after principal photography is completed on Depp's next film, Mira Nair's crime drama "Shantaram," for Warner Bros. Pictures and producers King, Infinitum Nihil and Plan B. No shooting dates have been set for either film.


Many plans to make "Rum Diary" have been announced over the years. The now-defunct indie production outfit Shooting Gallery and SPi Films optioned the book and announced plans to make the film in 2000, with Depp set to star and exec produce and Nick Nolte co-starring and his Kingsgate Entertainment also producing. Film Engine picked up the option in 2002 and announced plans to produce it with Kingsgate partner Shapiro. Benicio Del Toro and Josh Hartnett were soon attached as cast members.

Del Toro reportedly was set to make his directorial debut with "Rum Diary" in late 2003, but the project remained dormant through Thompson's February 2005 suicide. It was resurrected in April by new production outfit Dark & Stormy Entertainment, co-founded by Shooting Gallery alum Kravis, with Robinson and Depp attached. Distributor WIP's new involvement in the project may provide better luck for its eventual production.

According to their reps, Del Toro, Nolte and Hartnett are no longer attached to the project.

Depp and King's companies also are joining with Warners to produce a film adaptation of ABC's 1966-71 vampire soap opera "Dark Shadows."

Depp's credits include playing Thompson's alter ego in Terry Gilliam's 1996 adaptation of the author's book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" for Universal Pictures.

Depp is represented by UTA.

Produce as well? Well damn.

Yes, I agree, one very busy man.

What was the word Orlando used to describe his
life as he was doing several movies back to back?

I believe it was whitenuckling. :angel

Amazing! So many (interesting) projects, so little (down) time!! I was hoping Happy Days would be in the current mix there somewhere, but I'll be pleased with whatever IN sees fit to complete.

woohoo woohoo I have been hoping this would get off the ground. I loved the book and can't wait to see it on the screen. I agree about Gingerman. But it appears to be on the back burner for now. Unless IN films it with someone other than Johnny in the lead role.

My choice would be Johnny in the Ginger Man, and somebody else doing Rum Diary. But that is just my opinion. :rolleyes:

Anne x

We have an accord Anne.

Let someone else do TRD.

Get TGM done....Donleavy isn't getting any younger :unsure: and it seems they really respect each other.

Is there a screenplay for Ginger Man yet? Was Donleavy going to help write it? If that's the case, then yes, I would go for GMan first. I'm wondering if RD is getting pushed because of Johnny's closeness with Hunter. Wasn't this a film Hunter wanted him to do before he died? Either way, as has been said, he's definitely not slowing down much------

It's my understanding that there is a GM script and yes Donleavy wrote it. TRD's been backburnered for years now, both of these films are small indy films that could be done fairly quickly. Donleavy was 81 this year.


Either way, Johnny's one busy guy! woohoo

I remember you were able to meet him Karen. :) Hmmm, then I hope they get GMan going quickly, too.

Yes I was able to meet him and was his guest at dinner. So my heart is with TGM. woohoo

Sadly, I am not a big HST fan.