Created by author Donald Westlake, Parker is the fictional criminal who stars in 24 of Westlake’s novels, has already appeared in two different movies; Point Black (where he was played by Lee Marvin and known as Walker) and Payback (where he was played by Mel Gibson and known as Porter); and will shortly be portrayed by Jason Statham (The Mechanic) in a new film project.
Written by Black Swan co-writer John J. McLaughlin, it’s unclear if the new film will be a new story based on the character who seemingly lives without a code of ethics, or if like Point Blank and Payback it will be based on a specific Westlake tome (both of those movies were based on The Hunter; the first of the Parker books), but whatever the case there’s no denying that watching a ruthless and vengeful bastard such as Parker could make for excellent viewing.
Taylor Hackford (Ray) will helm the film noir project that he believes can turn from “a genre piece” into a truly “great movie”, and although there’s no start date been given as yet, it’s highly likely that the film’s backers will be shopping for distribution deals at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, and eyeing up potential shooting schedules afterwards.
Matt Wheeldon.
Source: Variety.
