Ridley Scott to Direct Hostage Thriller ‘Bomb’ for 20th Century Studios

Samantha Bergeson
·2 min read
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Ridley Scott is continuing his prolific filmmaking post-“Napoleon.”

The “Gladiator” director, who is currently in production on its sequel starring Paul Mescal, is now attached to helm “Bomb,” based on a short story written by “Low Tide” filmmaker Kevin McMullin. Scott will serve as a producer through his production banner Scott Free Productions, with the film landing at 20th Century Studios.

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IndieWire confirmed the news, as first reported by Deadline, with a source close to the project.

According to Deadline, 20th Century beat out studios Apple, Netflix, Sony, and Warner Bros. to close the film deal at “low seven figures” for McMullin to adapt the script from his own short story.

“Bomb” centers around a hostage negotiator named Frankie Ippolito, who is called into duty the night before his wedding to talk down a man who is standing on an unexploded bomb from WWII. The film is set in a construction site in Piccadilly Circus in London, with the unnamed man only wanting to speak with Frankie. The feature takes place over the course of one night, with the bomber having a secret connection to Frankie.

Director Scott and Michael Pruss are producing through Scott Free. Screenwriter McMullin previously had his first script “First Harvest” on The Black List, with feature “Low Tide” released by A24. He has also adapted manga series “Made in Abyss” for Sony. McMullin will also executive-produce “Bomb.” He is represented by WME, 2AM, and Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP.

Scott recently addressed his rapid filmography in recent years, comparing himself to fellow auteur Martin Scorsese who has helmed only one film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” since 2019’s “The Irishman.” Meanwhile, Scott has made four movies in four years.

“Since he started ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ I’ve made four films,” Scott told The Times UK. “No, I don’t think about it. I get up in the morning and say, ‘Ah great! Another day of stress.’”

Scott has directed “The Last Duel,” “House of Gucci,” “Napoleon,” and short film “Behold” since 2019. Scott also shut down criticisms of historical inaccuracies in “Napoleon,” telling critics to “get a life” when nitpicking the Joaquin Phoenix-led feature. Scott similarly called out criticisms for “House of Gucci” based on the real-life Gucci fashion family dynasty.

Brian Welk contributed reporting.

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