His screenwriter of choice is Jane Goldman, who prior to becoming one of the most sought-after names in Hollywood was best known as the wife of Jonathan Ross. Now Matthew Vaughn is to strike up a creative partnership with the other superhero geek in the family after securing film rights to the chat show host's forthcoming comic book, The Golden Age.
Vaughn, who worked with Goldman on Kick-Ass and is currently collaborating with her on X-Men "reboot" First Class, told Deadline that a major Hollywood studio is interested in a film adaptation of Ross's venture, which concerns retired superheroes forced back into action to save the world. It is seen as a vehicle for ageing actors usually restricted to supporting roles to take centre stage once again: Vaughn's dream team is Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty.
The project follows the success of films such as The Expendables and Red last year, both of which featured older actors in high-octane roles. "You have these great star names and they're mainly playing supporting roles now," said Vaughn. "I want to give them the lead again and let them have some fun."
Ironically, the hugely in-demand Goldman may not be available to work on The Golden Age, while Vaughn may be set to produce rather than direct. The film-maker told Deadline he may hire other writers.
Ross's first foray into comics, the gangsters and vampires series Turf, is currently in stores, though reports suggest sales have not been spectacular. The former host of the BBC's Film programme has often spoken of his passion for the medium. Turf is drawn by US artist Tommy Lee Edwards, who has illustrated Batman for DC Comics and Daredevil for rival firm Marvel in the past.
Retired superheroes have been a staple of comics and films since at least 1986, when Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns and Alan Moore's Watchmen were published. Pixar film The Incredibles explored this theme for comic effect in 2004. Last year's Red, starring Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren and John Malkovich as retired CIA operatives, was itself based on a limited-series comic book published in 2003.
