Gore Verbinski Takes On Pyongyang Adaptation

While we tend to think of the world as a shrinking place, there are certain places that remain resolutely remote, such as North Korea, which has pretty much shut itself off from the rest of the world. However Deadline reports that Gore Verbinski is hoping to take us there, at least virtually, as he has teamed up with New Regency to direct and produce an adaptation of Guy Delisle’s graphic novel Pyongyang.

Here’s the official description of the graphic novel, ‘A westerner’s visit into North Korea, told in the form of a graphic novel. Famously referred to as one of the “Axis of Evil” countries, North Korea remains one of the most secretive and mysterious nations in the world today. In early 2001 cartoonist Guy Delisle became one of the few Westerners to be allowed access to the fortresslike country. While living in the nation’s capital for two months on a work visa for a French film animation company, Delisle observed what he was allowed to see of the culture and lives of the few North Koreans he encountered; his findings form the basis of this remarkable graphic novel. Pyongyang is an informative, personal, and accessible look at a dangerous and enigmatic country.’

The story also deals with the author being accused of espionage during his stay. Steve Conrad (The Weather Man, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) is writing the adapted screenplay. It isn’t known when it might shoot, but presumably Verbinski is hoping to get it into production after Lone Ranger is released this summer.