Mike Newell Out, 'The Muppets' Helmer James Bobin In To Direct WWII Spy Flick 'Agent Zigzag'

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by Edward Davis
June 19, 2012 6:30 PM
3 Comments

Let's get this out of the way first and let's not be super alarmist about it (aka don't panic Miss Piggy and Kermit fans). There's nothing super concrete that says "The Muppets" sequel has been delayed, scrapped, etc. However, in a new Variety report about "The Muppets" director James Bobin, the trade says it's unclear where the sequel is at in its development and the filmmaker could be taking another gig first.

That job? He's now attached to direct the spy film "Agent Zigzag" for Tom Hanks' Playtone Productions. Dubbed a “A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal,” the film is based on Ben Macintyre's novel about spy vs. spy machinations said to be a blend of John Le Carre (“Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy”) and the high farce of Evelyn Waugh. Rowan Joffe (“Brighton Rock,” “28 Weeks Later”) penned the most recent pass on the script, which has been in development since 2009, and last year Mike Newell was attached to direct, though obviously, he's since moved on.

The story tells the true tale of a double agent who worked for both Germany and Britain during World War II, earning the trust of German intelligence types, as he reported back to the MI5 with his findings. Sounds like some pretty excellent material for a highly entertaining spy tale and should be an interesting shift in gears for the helmer who has mostly done straight ahead, broad comedy to date. This, combined with the (forever) brewing "A Confederacy of Dunces" indicates he's ready to flex his muscles, so we'll be curious to see how these develop. But as of yet, no word yet which one of these projects will go first.

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More: James Bobin, The Muppets, Agent Zigzag

3 Comments

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Gary | June 20, 2012 3:31 PMReply

Trust me..the story of Eddie Chapman,aka agent Zigzag is not a comedy.
Qu4terman42 | June 19, 2012 9:15 PMReply

Michael Fassbender will be the first name to come up. How much do you want to bet
Frank | June 19, 2012 11:30 PM

Fassbender and what sounds like a spy comedy? Hell no.