Thelast we heardabout the upcomingClueremake, reuniting starRyan ReynoldswithDeadpoolwritersRhett ReeseandPaul Wernick, it was going to be directed by Reynolds’The Change-Upco-starJason Bateman, who’s been on a small-screen directing tear lately with excellent work onThe OutsiderandOzark. But now, in a plot twist worthy of a delicious murder mystery likeClue, Bateman has exited the project. And perVariety, Reynolds' take on the board game is eyeing a new director:James Bobin.
Bobin is a behind-the-scenes comedy vet, writing and directing for comedy stars likeSacha Baron CohenandFlight of the Conchords. He made his big-screen directing debut with the delightful 2011The Muppets– before really proving his “comedy-mystery-thriller” chops with the underrated, joke-a-second sequelMuppets Most Wanted. Since those two back-to-back films, Bobin directed the Disney sequelAlice Through the Looking Glass, and the well-receivedDora the ExploreradaptationDora and the Lost City of Gold. Disney seems to love working with Bobin, and by circling him forClue(a 20th Century Studios production, aka “owned by Disney”), they may be trying to snatch him back from Paramount’s clutches.
Reynolds' production company Maximum Effort is developing the film alongside Allspark Pictures, Hasbro’s film division. Reynolds recently starred in 2019’sDetective Pikachuand6 Underground, and is set to lead 2020’sFree GuyandThe Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard. Beyond Reynolds, no other cast members have been set. Writers Reese and Wernick also wrote6 Underground, alongside 2019’sZombieland: Double Tap. Beyond Reynolds, no other cast members have been set in the new version yet – perhaps the appeal of working with Bobin will help.
This is not the first time the classic murder-solving board game has been adapted into a feature –Jonathan Lynndirected a cult-classic adaptation in 1985, with a sterling ensemble cast includingTim Curry,Christopher Lloyd,Michael McKean,Madeline Kahn,Lesley Ann Warren,Martin Mull, andEileen Brennan. Part of the joys of that film came from its willingness to play the premise straight, never allowing the characters' comedy to come at the expense of the base reality’s authenticity. Based on the track record of Reynolds, Reese, and Wernick, I’m imagining this newCluewill have alotmore self-aware “winking at the inherent premise” jokes, and I am sterling myself for the worst. But if they hire Bobin, a director whose commitment to silliness I admire, perhaps it will yield a more grounded, “best of both worlds” picture.
For more on Reynolds, here’s the latest intel onDeadpool 3. For more on Bobin, here’s ourinterview with the man. And just for fun, here’s myfavorite closed-room murder mysteries– including the originalClue.
