Variety reports that Terry Gilliam is reviving his passion project The Man Who Killed Don Quixote nearly a decade after his first attempt was derailed by bad weather, destroyed sets and lead actor Jean Rochefort’s back problems.
Now Gilliam is teaming up with British producer Jeremy Thomas to adapt Miguel de Cervantes’ classic 17th century romantic tale to the big screen. Thomas’ Recorded Picture Co. will produce.
The trade says that Gilliam and screenwriter Tony Grisoni, who also wrote the first version, have rewritten and updated the script. The new film will revolve around a filmmaker who is charmed into joining Don Quixote’s eternal quest for his ladylove, becoming an unwitting Sancho Panza.
Gilliam is also in talks with Johnny Depp, who had been set to star as a modern-day ad executive who travels back in time and is mistaken for Sancho Panza by Don Quixote. His availability will depend on his schedule. No word yet on who would play Quixote.
Gilliam is hoping to start shooting The Man Who Killed Don Quixote next spring.
