84. Nemesis
What if Bruce Wayne was an absolute c*nt and decided to use his vast resources to become The Joker instead of Batman (hence one of the titles key marketing images, above)? That's the basic concept behind Nemesis, Wanted and Kick-Ass creator Mark Millar's limited 2010 series that follows a billionaire not to dissimilar to Bruce Wayne, with the twist that his criminal parents were killed by cops and his goal is to take vengeance against them. In the early pages of the comic, the billionaire vigilante hijacks Air Force One and and takes the United States President hostage and crashes a plane into DC, killing hundreds. It's a great setup for an action movie and in some ways it could be a Heat/Public Enemies-style two man thriller, just with masked superheroes and centered on a cop who is being hunted down by a crazed, sadistic vigilante.
How Close Is It To Being Made?: As the movie was basically a Tony Scott film but with one character wearing a superhero outfit, it was of no surprise to see that Tony Scott was the early favourite to direct the movie. However when his proposed budget reportedly spiralled to over $150 million at Fox, it was no surprise that the development hit delays and Scott instead went to research on a Top Gun sequel. Joe Carnahan (The A-Team) was working on the screenplay and then was rumoured to be taking over directing duties but again the film has hit the brakes and isn't happening anytime soon.
Casting Choices: Although sadly Tony Scott will now never get to make the film, his probable casting of Denzel Washington as either the masked vigilante (which we would prefer, especially after the fun he had in Safe House) or the cop is still fitting and we hope he would be first choice. I'd actually love to see Washington as the crazy villain and Nicolas Cage as the straight-edged cop, in a reversal of the kind of performances both have given over the past decade.
Suggested by Matt Holmes
83. The Homeland Directive
Laura Regan, a lead scientist at the Center for Disease Control is pulled into a web of intrigue when her research partner is murdered and she's framed for the deed. Aided by three rogue government agents, Regan soon realizes that there's a conspiracy afoot that could endanger the entire US.
How Close Is It To Getting Made?: Another example that hasn't caught Hollywood's interest as of yet. The graphic novel has the perfect plot and pacing to be converting into a fast and frenetic action thriller of Jason Bourne variety.
Casting Choices: Thinking about the lead role of Laura Regan the first name that comes to mind is Naomi Watts, who's more than proved her dramatic chops to handle the character. As for the government hitman trying to take her out before she can expose the truth, Jason Statham leaps to mind.
Suggested by Greg Bassore
82. The Unwritten
Tom Taylor has grown up under the shadow of the fictional version of himself from his fathers novels. The 'Tommy Taylor' books are an international phenomenon that have left the boy who inspired them feeling like a second fiddle. Grown up into a dysfunctional adult, Tom's miserable life of supporting himself by showing up at conventions is upended when a mysterious woman named Lizzy Hexam brings to light certain holes in the story of Tom's past, starting with the lack of evidence that he is actually the son of author Wilson Taylor. Tom is thrust into a mystery that starts with his own identity and begins to spread encompassing the very nature of fact fiction. A mysterious cabal seems to have a controlling interest in what stories get told and why as Tommy finds himself rubbing elbows with Frankenstein's Monster and Moby Dick among other classic characters. Allying himself with Lizzy and a reporter named Savoy, Tom embarks on a quest to get to the bottom of his origins.
How Close Is It To Getting Made?: Nothing is currently in the works for adapting this series to the screen. This is a shame because if has all the right ingredients to make a great modern fantasy movie, or a decent cable series for a network like Showtime or HBO.
Casting Choices: If the series were turned into a movie, the lead role Of Tommy Taylor would be well suited for Cillian Murpy (most famous for Batman Begins and 28 Days Later) and Keira Knightley and Jake Busey could fill out the supporting cast as Lizzy and Savoy. If it were done as a TV series, Iwan Rheon (a.k.a. Simon from Misfits) would make for a great Tommy while the roles of Lizzy and Savoy could be handled by Alexis Bledel and Aaron Paul respectively.
Suggested by Greg Bassore
81. Sleeper
Holden Carver is a secret agent in over his head. As far as anyone knows he defected from the agency IO to work with a group of super villains headed by the mysterious Tao. The truth is that he's under cover, but his contact John Lynch (the only other person in the world who knows where Holden's loyalty truly lies) is in a coma. With no way back to his former life Carver is forced into an escalating series of hard choices to keep his cover from being blown.
How Close Is It To Getting Made?: Back in '08 it was announced that Sam Raimi's production company Star Road Entertainment had optioned the film rights to Sleeper. Unfortunately, there hasn't been much word since then. At the time of the announcement creator Ed Brubaker said that it was the 5th attempt to make a movie off the property. So there's clearly a lot of interest in the material, and hopefully that interest will eventually result in an actual movie.
Casting Choices: At the time of the 2008 announcement, Tom Cruise was said to be interested in the project, and he would be great in the role. For the supporting role of fellow villain Miss Misery, Cruise's 'Knight and Day' co-star Cameron Diaz would be great. Anyone who doubts her ability to play a dark character should check out 'The Last Supper' to lay any doubts to rest.
Suggested by Greg Bassore
80. Old Man Logan
I can't be the only one who is completely underwhelmed by the idea of what will essentially be a second origin story for Wolverine, even though the Japanese storyline is pretty entertaining, because I get the feeling that every Wolverine Origins movie will inevitably have to end with his memory being erased again, before resetting for the next film, which isn't the best way to ingratiate an audience. Rather than continue the same storyline too far, I would love to see a film-maker step in with the balls to make something as cool and unique as Old Man Logan, set some fifty or sixty years in the future when a coup by the united force of Super-villains has rid the world of most heroes. Logan lives in hiding, retired from being a hero thanks to an incredibly well conceived secret (revealed by flashback, and potentially the most emotional Wolverine story-arc ever to given screen treatment), until he is compelled to join the resistance. Brilliant.
How Close Is It To Being Made? - Far, far, far from it. Filming is currently underway on a Wolverine sequel and there are no plans to visit the character way off in the future. But it would be great for an off-kilter future sequel if everyone stops being so bloody serious about comic book movies.
Casting Choices - If they do eventually want to do it, they already have the perfect Wolverine in Hugh Jackman. Bit of ageing make-up and Bob's your uncle.
Suggested by Simon Gallagher