MOVIE NEWS – Universal Pictures has officially acquired the rights to Julianna Baggott’s short story The Hider, and plans to cast Oppenheimer star Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role. While the project is still in the early stages of development, Downey Jr. is also attached as a producer, working alongside Susan Downey and Amanda Burnell through their production company, Team Downey.

The collaboration was revealed by Deadline just months after Downey Jr. took home an Academy Award for his supporting role in the Universal and Christopher Nolan blockbuster, Oppenheimer. Universal is eager to work with Downey Jr. again, this time for the adaptation of The Hider, with a screenplay penned by Andrew Barrer and Gabriel Ferrari, known for their work on major hits like Transformers One and Ant-Man and the Wasp. Although Downey Jr. has yet to be officially confirmed as the film’s lead, he will undoubtedly be involved as a producer. Other producers include Tory Tunnell and Joby Harold from Safehouse Pictures, with Julianna Baggott herself credited as an executive producer.

Julianna Baggott is a bestselling author whose works span across novels, short stories, essays, and poetry, with over three decades of literary success. Her stories have frequently caught the attention of Hollywood—her short story Backwards was picked up by Netflix in 2022, while Paramount has also acquired two of her other works. Though Universal has kept the plot details of The Hider under wraps, the involvement of Downey Jr. ensures that this project is one to watch.

Stepping Away From His Marvel Persona

As one of the most recognizable faces of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. is known for his portrayal of Iron Man in the very first MCU film. However, the actor is now leaving behind his superhero persona—though rumors suggest he may return to the MCU as a villain in the future. In the meantime, Downey Jr. has been proving his versatility as an actor, and The Hider promises to be another opportunity to showcase his range. His recent Oscar-winning role in Oppenheimer definitively broke him free from his Marvel image, allowing him to deliver a nuanced performance in Nolan’s historical drama.

One project that flew under the radar but also showcased Downey Jr.’s talent was HBO’s limited series The Sympathizer. Based on the novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer featured Downey Jr. in four different roles, further emphasizing his adaptability and skill in tackling book-to-screen adaptations. Amanda Burnell, who is producing The Hider, mentioned that while playing four characters in a single show was a risk, Downey Jr. embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.

Source: MovieWeb