It looks as though inflation is even creeping into sci-fi films, as Mark Wahlberg is officially announced as the upcoming Six Billion Dollar Man.
According to Deadline Hollywood, the 43-year-old actor has signed on for the upcoming Six Billion Dollar Man… an inflation-adjusted remake of the classic sci-fi series.
“Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg, the duo behind the critically acclaimed and box office success Lone Survivor, are re-teaming for the feature film version of The Six Billion Dollar Man with various writers circling the project.”
Of course, the story is based on the classic sci-fi series, which in turn is based on the 1972 book Cyborg by Martin Caidin. But what’s in store for Mark Wahlberg in this ambitious remake?
“Wahlberg is attached to star in the film about former astronaut Steve Austin who, after a horrific crash of an experimental plane, is saved by doctors when he is fitted with bionic replacements — both legs, his right arm and left eye,” they explain. “With super-human power, he becomes a force to be reckoned with for the government as a secret agent for the Office of Scientific Intelligence.”
This new project teams Wahlberg with director Peter Berg – a coupling which has already met marginal success with the critically-acclaimed ‘Lone Survivor’. But can they knock this one out of the park?
Of course, the studio is clearly hoping to tap into the devoted fan-base of the original series… which also spawned a spin-off in the shaped of The Bionic Woman. But can Mark Wahlberg capture the essence of the original while bringing something new to the table?
At the moment, no further details have been given… and with Mark Wahlberg currently the only star attached to the project, we don’t even have any idea who will star alongside him. Of course, we’ll keep you posted as we hear more… but I can’t help feeling rather excited for this remake of a sci-fi classic.
The Six Billion Dollar Man is expected in cinemas by 2016.
What do you think of a Six Million Dollar Man remake? Do you think Mark Wahlberg is the right man for the job? Let us know what you think in the comments below…
