Brett Ratner To Direct 'Midnight Run 2' With The Writers Of 'G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra' Penning The Script

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by Kevin Jagernauth
March 21, 2012 6:19 PM
4 Comments

Talked about for years and years, we figured the proposed sequel to "Midnight Run" was one of those things -- like "Ghostbusters 3" -- that was never going to happen for a variety of reasons. But who knew that Brett Ratner, of all people, was going to be the guy to get this thing rolling?

Well, that appears to be the case, as Deadline reports that the shrimp enthusiast is now on board to direct, with Robert De Niro returning to star as well. The script by Tim Dowling ("Role Models") has been kicking around for a while, but now David Elliot and Paul Lovett ("G.I. Joe: Rise Of The Cobra," "Four Brothers") will do a rewrite. That doesn't instill confidence. Ages ago, it was said the story would team De Niro's bounty hunter Jack Walsh with up a younger convict who may or may not be the son of Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas, Charles Grodin's character from the first film. But we're guessing that may change.

Grodin, who hasn't appeared in a Hollywood film since the 2006 comedy "The Ex," has largely shunned roles that would require him to be away from his home in Connecticut. He reportedly turned down a cameo appearance in "The Muppets" for that very reason. But according to Deadline, he's willing to bend his rules for this movie should it come to pass. As much as this is a bad idea, we're still kind of curious to see De Niro and Grodin back together on screen, as they shared a pretty chemistry. "Midnight Run" is a perfect little cable staple and one our faves -- and frankly, Ratner isn't a horrid choice for this. He and original director Martin Brest certainly share the same populist aesthetic in many ways.

So, is this going to be the boot in the butt this project needs to get moving? Or yet another update to a movie that will never get made?

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More: Brett Ratner, Midnight Run 2, Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin

4 Comments

| Reply
jt | March 22, 2012 4:41 AMReply

What the friggin hell !! Know, you know we are living in the last days.
Christian | March 21, 2012 6:27 PMReply

Martin Scorsese, please put Robert De Niro out of this misery! Hopefully The Silver Linings Playbook or The Comedian will give De Niro his comeback.
caro | March 21, 2012 7:11 PM

+1
Operation:save RDN
KT | March 21, 2012 6:21 PMReply

Too much fail.