I was somewhere around London, Ontatio, when the news that HOT TUB TIME MACHINE director Steve Pink had signed on to helm an adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's THE CURSE OF LONO began to take hold. I remember saying something like "I feel a bit lightheaded, maybe you should drive …" And suddenly I realized that there'd soon be another film in the works based on Thompson's twisted adventures and my mind was filled with what I can only describe as possibilities, all swooping and screeching and diving around my brain, and a voice was screaming "Holy Jesus! Will Pink tap Johnny Depp to reprise his role as Thompson?"
Indeed, folks. Director Steve Pink is on board to helm a film adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s 1983 book The Curse of Lono. The story follows the exploits of Thompson and illustrator Ralph Steadman (of Rolling Stone magazine fame and otherwise) who are sent to cover the marathon in Waikiki and end up on a drug-fueled journey to the sacred City of Refuge.
Penning the screenplay for the forthcoming adaptation will be JD Rosen who will also produce the project with Rhino Films' Stephen Nemeth. Production is scheduled to begin sometime next year with Rex Glensy and Matt Brosnon acting as executive producers on the project.
Hunter S. Thompson, who'd previously been portrayed on film by both Bill Murray (WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM) and Johnny Depp (FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, THE RUM DIARY), was a legendary American journalist, author, and founder of gonzo journalism, a method of reporting without claims of objectivity and a narrative that includes the reporter in the content. Thompson, throughout his storied career, was notorious for his drug-addled excursions while covering historic sporting, political, and music-related events.
Cards on the table here, friends. Terry Gilliam's FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS is likely to be my second favorite film of all time. With that in mind, I shall remain silent until I hear of casting news and/or see a trailer for this forthcoming project. The thought of Thompson returning as a character for the big screen excites me greatly, though I must admit that my hackles are up at the thought of someone other than Depp or Gilliam taking the reigns.
Who would you cast in the role of Hunter S. Thompson if Depp were not willing to return? Have you read The Curse of Lono? How was it? Are you excited to see it be adapted for the big screen? Let us know your answers to these questions and more in the comments section below!