While his long-awaited horror sequel Wolf Creek 2 just hit American theaters this past Friday, Australian filmmaker Greg McLean continues to line up new projects. He’s currently shooting the thriller 6 Miranda Drive with Kevin Bacon and Radha Mitchell but word comes out of Cannes that Arclight Films and producer Dana Lustig have hired McLean to direct Jungle, based on the memoir by Yossi Ghinsberg.
In his bestselling novel, Ghinsberg tells the story about how he went down to the Bolivian jungle with two friends and an incompetent guide, which turns into a test of what they can endure as they face some of the wilderness’ deadliest threats.
With a script by Justin Monjo and produced by Dana Lustig, Gary Hamilton and Mike Gabrawy, shooting is scheduled to begin towards the end of the year in La Paz, Bolivia as well as in the rainforest along Australia’s Gold Coast.
McLean had this to say from the press release: “I am so thrilled to be making a film about this astonishing true tale of survival and personal transformation. The raw and honest narration of both book and script read like a classic thriller that has deep spiritual resonance alongside the challenging and horrific events that unfold.”
“The story is extremely timely and inspiring and will be filmed in some of the world’s most exotic locations, with complex characters struggling to make their peace with nature in order to survive,” added Lustig. “There are four exhilarating roles yet to be cast that are a dream come true for actors and will showcase the diversity of any performer.”
Finally, there’s a sound bite from Gary Hamilton, Managing Director of Arclight Films, who are handling international sales on the project much like they did on both Wolf Creek movies:
“The commercial value of this film combined with the brilliant, mind-bending action and adventure filmmaking unique to Greg McLean immediately captivated us. Jungle is a film that is bound to thrill audiences worldwide and we’re all delighted to be part of this exciting journey.”
