Following a massive studio bidding war last month, Ridley Scott ("Blade Runner," "Prometheus") is slated to direct an adaptation of Don Winslow's "The Cartel," an incredibly deep, violent and enthralling sequel novel to "The Power of the Dog." Even better, Leonardo DiCaprio is being courted to star as the film's lead, Art Keller.
Fox ponied up more than $6 million for the screenwriting fees and book rights, according to Film School Rejects. The two novels follow the story of Keller, a D.E.A. agent devoted to hunting down the leader of a vicious and violent drug cartel. The story deals primarily with themes related to revenge, justice, obsession and familial responsibility, making it the type of deep subject matter both star and director are attracted to.
DiCaprio's production company, Appian Way, aided in the bidding war, hinting that the A-lister is interested in this prime material. In fact, he had been previously linked to another Winslow adaptation, "Satori," before the film fell through.
However, it's unknown exactly when filming will begin on this ambitious project. It was recently reported that Scott would be following up October's "The Martian" starring Matt Damon with his long awaited sequel to 2012's "Prometheus." "Prometheus 2" is expected to begin production in early 2016, obviously leaving no time for "The Cartel" in the near future.
Still, DiCaprio is perfect for the role of Keller, a tortured soul who nurses his own guilt in the creation of a powerful Mexican drug cartel. Throughout his career, DiCaprio has proved capable of playing complex, brooding characters with dark pasts and (potentially) even darker futures.
The actor can next be seen in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's "The Revenant." After that, we're hoping he and Scott can find some time to bring this modern day crime epic to the big screen.
