JohnnyDepp-Zone.com

Variety reports that a new production company, Dark & Stormy Entertainment, comprised of writer Jason Smilovic and producers Tyler Mitchell and Robert Kravis, will “shepherd the long-distilling adaptation of Hunter Thompson’s THE RUM DIARY” as one of their company’s first projects. Long-time Depp fans will recall that Johnny Depp first discussed filming the Thompson novel several years ago, but the project was delayed by scheduling conflicts and cast changes. Variety confirms that RUM DIARY “still has Johnny Depp attached and Bruce Robinson planning to direct his own script.” Robinson previously wrote and directed the classic film WITHNAIL AND I.

Jason Smilovic’s most recent project was the critically acclaimed NBC drama series KIDNAPPED, starring Timothy Hutton and Dany Delany; he also wrote the film LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN (2006), starring Josh Hartnett and Bruce Willis. Robert Kravis was an executive at Miramax, and Tyler Mitchell was a vice president at Film Engine, where he developed THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT and produced LUCKY NUMBER SLEVIN. Mitchell was also a consulting producer and writer for KIDNAPPED. We wish them well as they launch their company and look forward to more news about THE RUM DIARY. Thanks to Emma for posting the news; you can read the full Variety article on the Zone’s News & Views forum. –Part-Time Poet