'MacGyver' Movie to Be Directed by 'Saw' Helmer James Wan

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James Wan

The long-planned MacGyver movie is picking up steam.

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The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that New Line is negotiating with James Wan to come aboard the project, based on the 1980s television series about a resourceful detective (played by Richard Dean Anderson) who could bring together everyday objects to help him solve crimes and escape perilous situations. Jason Richman (Bangkok Dangerous) has written the script, with revisions by Brian and Mark Gunn.

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Wan is one of the creators of the low-budget horror franchise Saw and had a big hit with the microbudget 2010 horror film Insidious. He has The Conjuring coming from New Line in the summer. Wan's involvement could indicate that the studio is interested in MacGyver being a more smaller-budgeted film than its action-oriented source material might indicate and that it will not be a comedy. MacGruber, the 2010 film starring Will Forte based on a recurring Saturday Night Live sketch that spoofed the 1985-92 ABC series, basically took that approach.

Raffaella and Martha De Laurentiis are producing, along with series creator Lee Zlotoff.