Fresh off working withMoonlightdirectorBarry Jenkins,Dave Francois in talks to joinRyan ReynoldsinMichael Bay’s Netflix action movieSix Underground, multiple sources familiar with the project tell Collider.
A representative for Franco did not respond to a request for comment. Sources stress that Franco’s deal isn’t done, and thus, a representative for Skydance could not confirm his casting at this time.
Not much is known about the actual plot ofSix Underground, though the script was written by Reynolds’DeadpoolandDeadpool 2scribesPaul WernickandRhett Reese, who will also serve as executive producers. Interestingly enough, the tone of the film is said to be in the vein ofDeadpoolmeetsMission: Impossible. Reynolds will lead a team of four men and two women on some kind of mission to stop evil, so he’ll play One (naturally) and Franco is making a deal to play Six. That’s all we know for now, though more casting is expected to be announced soon.
Skydance developedSix Undergroundbefore partnering with Netflix to co-finance the film at a budget of roughly $125 million. Skydance’sDavid Ellison,Dana GoldbergandDon Grangerare producing along with Bay, who is expected to begin filming in September, as Netflix aims to release the movie worldwide next year.
Franco is no stranger to Netflix movies with the number six in the title, as he last starred in the addiction drama6 Balloons, as well as in his brotherJames Franco’s acclaimed comedyThe Disaster Artist. He has been a part of three successful franchises –Neighbors,21 Jump StreetandNow You See Me, and he’ll soon be seen as Hollywood legend Montgomery Clift in the indieZeroville. Perhaps more importantly, he’ll be seen in a supporting role in Barry Jenkins' dramaIf Beale Street Could Talk, which is already getting Oscar buzz sight unseen. He’s represented by WME, Anonymous Content and attorney Patti C. Felker.
