While Paramount Pictures is due to release the action-thrillerGemini Manin theaters this weekend, some may or may not know that this is a project that’s been in development in Hollywood for decades, and our look at an alternate version of the movie has surfaced online. The concept forGemini Man—an aging government assassin is hunted by a younger clone of himself—originated withDarren Lemkein 1997 and was sold to Walt Disney Pictures. The first director attached wasTony Scott, and while actors likeHarrison Ford,Tom Cruise, andBrad Pittcircled the film, the project was considered unfilmable because technology had not yet advanced to the point that the same actor could play both the older and younger versions of the lead character.
That didn’t stop the studio from trying, and indeed at one pointThe GreyandSmokin’ AcesfilmmakerJoe Carnahanthrew his hat into the ring with his top casting choice:Clint Eastwood. WithGemini Manfinally hitting theaters withWill Smithin the lead role andAng Leein the director’s chair, Carnahan has re-shared the sizzle reel he put together to pitch Disney and producerJerry Bruckheimeron his vision for the project. In keeping with Carnahan’s style, it very much feels like a gritty character-driven thriller, and he used footage from Eastwood’s films to have the actor play opposite himself for the purposes of this pitch.
It’s a fun look at what could have been (it’s quite a different approach than Lee’s) and also a peek behind the curtain at how directors land big projects. Indeed, sizzle reels like this are used frequently by directors to show a studio or producers a visual representation of the kind of movie they want to make.
Carnahan’s version ofGemini Mannever got past some CG tests with actorJon Voight, but you may take a stroll down “What If?” lane in the video below.
