It’s been a long and winding road to the big screen for the film adaptation of Joe Haldeman’s 1974 science fiction classic novel The Forever War. First optioned by 20th Century Fox, it has lain dormant for over 30 years now, with Ridley Scott trying (and failing) to get the ball moving. Now, however, it seems like things may finally be moving forward, with none other than Channing Tatum attached, according to Deadline.
With the rights having reverted back to the market, Tatum’s production company Free Association have worked on a treatment for the film, with Warner Bros buying the rights after outbidding Sony. If all goes to plan, it is expected that the Jupiter Ascending and 21 Jump Street actor will star and produce.
For the benefit of the uninitiated, The Forever War is essentially a Vietnam war analogy, depicting a future in which after an alien assault, an Earth army (mainly composed of conscripts) fights back, travelling through wormholes to cover the vast distances. However, the time dilation this entails means that by the time the soldiers return to Earth between battles, decades – or even centuries – have passed, with the vast societal changes alienating the soldiers.
In addition to Tatum, Prometheus and Doctor Strange writer Jon Spaihts is also attached. If this comes off, we could have a very exciting prospect on our hands.
The release date for The Forever War hasn’t yet been announced. For all the biggest sci-fi, fantasy and horror movie news, pick up the latest issue of SciFiNow
