A remake of horror filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1958 film Vertigo is in the works at Paramount. Additionally, it looks like actor Robert Downey Jr. has now entered talks to star in the Vertigo remake.
This news comes via Deadline, where they’ve stated that Robert Downey Jr. would take over “the James Stewart lead role” from the original film. Stewart’s character was that of a “former police detective forced to retire after a line of duty trauma that leaves him with fear of heights and vertigo.”
Steven Knight has been attached to write the screenplay for the film. Knight, known for having created the hit series Peaky Blinders, just recently became involved as the screenwriter for an upcoming Star Wars film as well. The Vertigo remake is also slated to be produced by John Davis and John Fox via Davis Entertainment along with Team Downey’s Robert and Susan Downey.
The Hitchcock Estate is said to have chosen Paramount for this project given that they were involved with the original film. Plot details for this remake are scarce, though the original film was penned by Alec Coppel and Samuel A. Taylor with the basis being the Boileau-Narcejac novel D’entre les morts (From Among the Dead).
Robert Downey Jr. is certainly an interesting choice for the remake. He’s been involved with quite a few unique projects following his departure from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As such, his involvement with a remake of one of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest works is something that fans will have to keep an eye out for. And, of course, the addition of screenwriter Steven Knight to the project is promising as well. A director has yet to be attached to the film.
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates regarding Vertigo and the career of Robert Downey Jr. as we have them.