Maybe I'm wrong about this, but I've always thought that Curtis Hanson was one of Hollywood's most underrated directors. Hanson won an Oscar for his writing-work on "L.A. Confidential," which is easily one of Hollywood's best films in the past 20 years, and he has directed some excellent films in the past including "Wonder Boys," "8 Mile" and "The River Wild."
Hanson doesn’t work all that often (he hasn't directed a feature film since 2007's "I'm Lucky"), so whenever he does direct something, it has my attention. His next project is a surfing film that sounds quite interesting, and it also has just added a leading man.
According to Deadline, Gerard Butler ("300") is set to play Rick "Frosty" Hesson in Hanson's upcoming surfing feature "Mavericks" for Walden Media.
The fact-based story follows the late Jay Moriarity and his quest to ride the iconic Northern California break known as Mavericks, where winter swells bring in treacherous waves the size of five-story buildings. Moriarity trained for over a year under Hesson, a friendship that transformed both their lives. Moriarity, who died in 2001 in a diving accident in the Maldives, remains an inspiration to surfers around the globe.
While Butler has lent his talents to a bunch of awful romantic comedies, his work in "300" and "RocknRolla" was solid and this could be a good chance for him to show off his dramatic talents. Hanson recently directed the HBO financial crisis drama "Too Big To Fail" and should be very enthusiastic about his first feature since 2007.
Hanson's work on "L.A. Confidential" truly was something great and I think this film could be a surprise hit.
Shooting is expected to kick off in October.
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