This summer, comic book movies are coming to Prague in a big way.
After news last month that the latest Spider-Man movie, which begins production in May, would at least partially be shot in the Czech capital, another high-profile comic book adaptation has been pegged to film in Prague.
According to the April 11 issue of Production Weekly, Bloodshot, a Vin Diesel-starring adaptation of the Valiant comic book, will shoot in the Czech Republic this summer. Production is slated to begin in July, with a wrap expected by November-December.
Prague is the only filming location listed in the PW report. Previously, Budapest, Hungary and Cape Town, South Africa had also been mentioned as potential shooting locations.
Bloodshot will likely be the debut film in the Valiant Comics Cinematic Universe, a new franchise from the longtime Marvel/DC competitor that has been in development for the past few years.
Sony signed a five-picture deal with Valiant back in 2015 that included adaptations of the company’s most popular properties, Bloodshot and Harbinger, along with a crossover film, Harbinger Wars. Harbinger was expected to be the first film in the franchise with a 2018 release, but little movement has been made with that production.
Created in 1992 by Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin and Bob Layton, Bloodshot centers around a deceased mafia hitman who is brought back to life by a technologies corporation in a super-soldier program. Part man, part machine, and with no memories of his past life, he rebels against his creators and attempts to track down his previous identity.
Diesel has long been rumored to play the character, but was officially announced to star in the movie last month. The Fast & Furious actor himself confirmed the role yesterday via Instagram:
Diesel is no stranger to Prague: he previously shot xXx in the city during 2001. The role of Xander Cage launched Diesel into stardom as an action superhero.
One of the few films shot in Prague to also be set in the (contemporary) city, xXx features wonderful location footage from around the Czech capital. Unfortunately, it was also the site of the death of stuntman Harry O’Connor, who perished while performing an aerial stunt at Palacký Bridge.
While previously attached to John Wick directors Chad Stahelski, David Leitch, Bloodshot is currently slated to be the debut feature of Dave Wilson, who worked with Deadpool director Tim Miller at Blur Studios.
A supporting cast has yet to be announced, though Jared Leto was also in talks to star in the film at some point last year. Eric Heisserer (Arrival) and Jeff Wadlow (Kick-Ass 2) have worked on the script, set to be produced by Neal Mortiz and Original Films.
Lead image: Diesel in Fast & Furious 7, Bloodshot as drawn by Mico Suayan
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Hi! Just curious – what’s a PW Report? Googled it but no luck.