Jack Ryan Author Writes "Just Cause" Movie

Video game adaptations are still on everyone's lips. This year alone, we are set to see over 10 of them, both in the film and series sector. A "Just Cause" film adaptation is likewise in development, which, according to The Wrap, is to be written by "Jack Ryan" author Aaron Rabin.

The production is being handled by an experienced team: Kelly McCormick and David Leitch, who have proven that they have a talent for exciting action thrillers with action hits such as "Bullet Train", "Nobody" and "Violent Night". The director is Ángel Manuel Soto, who worked on "Blue Beetle" in the former DCEU.

The "Just Cause" game series, which was launched in 2006 by Square Enix and Avalanche Studios, is known for its open game world, spectacular action and humorous approach. The protagonist, Rico Rodriguez, an agent of a fictional US secret organization, is sent on dangerous missions to destabilize and overthrow dictatorial regimes.

With four main games, Rico Rodriguez has established himself as one of the best-known Latin American video game characters. Whether the film will stick closely to the original or tell its own story remains a well-kept secret. A release date has also yet to be set.

David Leitch – From Stuntman to Sought-After Action Director

David Leitch is an American director, producer, stuntman and actor who has secured himself a permanent place in Hollywood with his action-packed films. Born on November 16, 1975 in Kohler, Wisconsin, he began his career as a stuntman and worked his way up to become a sought-after director over the years. His filmography includes some of the best-known action films of recent years, which impress with spectacular stunts, innovative fight choreography and stylized directing.

The Breakthrough with John Wick

Leitch's breakthrough as a director came in 2014 with "John Wick", which he co-directed with Chad Stahelski. Although Stahelski was officially named as the sole director, Leitch was significantly involved in the creation of the movie. "John Wick" was celebrated for its unique action aesthetic and established Keanu Reeves in the role of the ice-cold hitman. This success paved the way for Leitch's further projects as a director.

First Successes as a Sole Director

His first officially solo-directed film was "Atomic Blonde" (2017), a stylish espionage thriller starring Charlize Theron. Set in Berlin during the Cold War, the story features a mix of intense fight scenes and a dense spy plot. The film was praised for its visuals and Theron's physically impressive stunts.

Just one year later, Leitch took over the direction of "Deadpool 2" (2018), the sequel to the successful Marvel antihero film starring Ryan Reynolds. Here, he cleverly combined the unconventional humor of the "Deadpool" series with his signature style of action-packed staging. The movie was a huge success and helped to cement Leitch's reputation as one of the leading action directors.

Success With Big Blockbusters

In 2019, he directed "Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw", a spin-off of the successful "Fast & Furious" film series focusing on the characters Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham). The film featured spectacular stunts, explosive action and a humorous dynamic between the main characters. "Hobbs & Shaw" was a commercial success and showed that Leitch could also handle big franchise projects.

Another highlight of his career was "Bullet Train" (2022), an action thriller starring Brad Pitt. Based on the Japanese novel "Maria Beetle" by Kōtarō Isaka, the film tells the story of five hitmen who meet on a high-speed train. With its mixture of black humor, fast-paced action and quirky characters, the film has been praised by many critics as an entertaining and creative action production.

"The Fall Guy" – A Tribute to the Stunt Community

Leitch has now returned to the big screen with "The Fall Guy" (2024). The movie is loosely based on the 1980s TV series of the same name and stars Ryan Gosling as Colt Seavers. Colt is an experienced stuntman who returns to the movie business after a serious accident, only to become embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy. At the same time, he tries to save his relationship with his ex-girlfriend, played by Emily Blunt.

"The Fall Guy" is an action-packed tribute to Hollywood's stunt community and captivates with humorous dialog, spectacular stunts and a charming dynamic between Gosling and Blunt. Critics praised the film for its entertaining mix of action and comedy, as well as its loving portrayal of the often invisible heroes of the film industry – the stunt people.

Leitch as Producer and Future Projects

In addition to his work as a director, Leitch is also active as a producer. He was involved in the production of "Nobody" (2021), an action film starring Bob Odenkirk, which was praised for its unconventional approach to the genre. He is also working on future projects such as "Nobody 2" and "The Division", a film based on the video game of the same name.

Leitch's Signature – Stylized Action With Humorr

David Leitch's signature as a director is unmistakable. His movies are characterized by a mixture of high-precision action, stylized images and often a certain wink. Thanks to his many years of experience as a stuntman, he knows how to stage fights and stunts in such a way that they look both realistic and aesthetically pleasing. He combines classic action film elements with modern narrative techniques to create a unique cinematic experience.