JCVD Director Adapts Graphic Novel The Insiders; Jessica Alba Still Attached
Back in June, we told you thatRobert RodriguezandJessica Albahad optionedThe Insiders, a French spy thriller comic book series featuring a female lead character that definitely harkens back to Alba’s career-originating turn on the seriesDark Angel. At that point the whole thing was just a rights option with Rodriguez set to produce. Now there’s a director, and one that makes the whole package a little more intriguing:JCVDhelmerMabrouk el Mechri.Pajibareports that el Mechri is on board — what, you thought there was ever a chance that Rodriguez would direct this one? Expect to see a lot more of this sort of producer action from the guy, especially ifPredatorsdoes well. He’s very much in a position to transition into the sort of producer that can enable less-established directors who do interesting or fan-pleasing work.JCVDwas most definitely fan-pleasing.
I haven’t seen any of el Mechri’s previous French work, so I can’t say ifJCVDwas a fluke, or proof that he’s really got the goods.The Insiderscould be a good thing for him, especially if he makes Alba look like she can act.
Here’s a rundown of Jean-Claude Bartoll’s comic book fromICV2, the site that broke the option story this summer:
Najah Cruz, a Colombian who is as deadly as she is beautiful. She has the weapons expertise and combat skills of a James Bond [sic]. At the secret request of the White House (CIA) she infiltrates a worldwide mafia-like organization composed of businessmen and politicians and becomes the bodyguard of the organization’s leader.
Meanwhile, Alba may prove her chops inThe Killer Inside Me, where she playsa prostitute that gets knocked around, while Rodriguez is finishing upMachete(with Alba guest starring) and overseeing Nimrod Antal onPredators.
