William Friedkin to develop and direct The Winter of Frankie Machine

Don Winslow's novel The Winter of Frankie Machine has been in development with directors ranging from Martin Scorsese and Michael Mann to Oliver Stone. Now, thanks to the massive deal that will see Ridley Scott directing Leonardo DiCaprio in the adaptation of Winslow's THE CARTEL, The Winter of Frankie Machine will now be developed for director William Friedkin.

The legendary filmmaker behind THE EXORCIST, THE FRENCH CONNECTION, and TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. has not directed a movie since 2011's KILLER JOE, but he is looking likely to helm this film which will be co-written by Winslow himself. Here's a synopsis of the novel.

The drama revolves around Frank Machianno, a mob hitman who has retired to run a bait shop. He agrees to help the son of a mob boss resolve a dispute with another Mafioso but is forced to turn into Frankie Machine again when he realizes he’s been set up to be killed.

Friedkin is hoping to make the film a low budget project along the lines of KILLER JOE which will allow him to make it grittier and more violent. Friedkin views either Matthew McConaughey or Justified's Walton Goggins as ideal leads for the film but no discussions have taken place with either actor. The 79-year-old Friedkin is not prepared to pursue actors until he and Winslow have locked down a finished script. He is currently directing the television version of TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. and a Mae West biopic at HBO.

I would love to see McConaughey reunite with Friedkin as KILLER JOE is a vastly underseen film. But, I do really like Walton Goggins and look forward to seeing him in THE HATEFUL EIGHT. Hopefully this happens in the near future.