Universal Pictures is making a sequel to their 1988 action-comedy ‘Midnight Run,’ the sequel will star Regina Hall, who will also produce.
The original film starred Robert De Niro as Jack Walsh, a bounty hunter whose job it is to collect mob accountant, Jonathan Mardukas, (the late Charles Grodin). Walsh needed to get Mardukas to Los Angeles, the only thing is the accountant can’t fly. That put the easily irritable bounty hunter and fastidious accountant on an endless road trip in which they’re pursued by the Feds and a rival bounty hunter, Marvin Dorfler, played by John Ashton.
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Aeysha Carr is writing the screenplay although plot details and additional cast members have been kept under wraps. No director is attached as of yet.
Martin Brest directed the original based on a screenplay by George Gallo. The original film grossed $82M and was nominated for Best Comedy/Musical at the Golden Globes with De Niro receiving a Best Actor nod in that category. The critical popularity of the first film inspired three made-for-television sequels, collectively called “The Midnight Run Action Pack.” However, De Niro and Grodin didn’t appear in those films. De Niro has spoken over the years about wanting to revisit Midnight Run. At one point in 2012, Universal was developing a sequel with De Niro to reprise his role as Walsh, Brett Ratner directing and David Elliot & Paul Lovett rewriting a draft by Tim Dowling.
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De Niro will produce the follow-up film, but no details on whether he will also reprise his role. Hall will also serve as a producer under her RH Negative banner. Jesse Collins will also produce via Jesse Collins Entertainment and Jane Rosenthal for Tribeca. Berry Welsh will executive produce for Tribeca. Universal Pictures’ senior VP of production development Sara Scott will oversee on behalf of the studio.
Universal Pictures’ SVP of Production Development, Sara Scott, will oversee on behalf of the studio.