A couple of years ago, Shia Labeouf picked up a script with the verbose but intriguing title The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman. However as often happens in Hollywood, the project fell by the wayside over scheduling and money.

However it would appear Labeouf really likes the screenplay, as while he’d put it to one side, Variety reports the movie has gone back into pre-production. Fredrik Bond will direct, who like the previously attached helmer, Dante Ariola, is best known for his work in commercials.

The script, by Matt Drake, made the 2007 Black List of the best unproduced screenplays. Here’s the synopsis that was released a couple of years ago: ‘Charlie Countryman (LaBeouf) was just a normal guy… until he fell in love with the one girl who will probably get him killed. When Charlie meets the absolutely irresistible Gabi she’s already been claimed by Nigel, an insanely violent crime boss with a gang of thugs at his disposal. Armed with little more than his wit and naïve charm, Charlie endures one bruising beat down after another to woo Gabi and keep her out of harm’s way. Finally his exploits of blind valor create such a mess that he’s left with only one way out; to save the girl of his dreams, must Charlie Countryman die?’

Sounds like a cheery one, doesn’t it? You have to wonder as well whether the success of Drive has given this one new impetus. The movie will shoot later this year.