The action movie is expected to begin filming in September and hit theaters next summer, but Universal removes the film from its release schedule due to script issues.
- August 8, 2018
AceShowbiz - Universal has indefinitely delayed the production of "Cowboy Ninja Viking" and pulled the action-adventure movie from its release calendar. Starring Chris Pratt and Priyanka Chopra, the project was supposed to start filming in September and hit U.S. theaters on June 28, 2019 before it is postponed due to script issues.
The film already started the pre-production, but Universal suddenly ended discussions with potential supporting cast. Sources say that the studio "wasn't eager to rush to meet a release date, given that it has franchise hopes for the property." According to Collider, the film will remain active in development and there will be an announcement for the new release date.
"Cowboy Ninja Viking" has Primetime Emmy Awards winner Michelle MacLaren, whose credits include "Game of Thrones", "Breaking Bad" and "The Walking Dead", still attached as director. The project will be her big-screen directorial debut. As for Pratt and Chopra, they will stay on board to star in the film. Pratt also serves as the producer of the project along with Michael De Luca, Mark Gordon and Entertainment 360.
"Deadpool" screenwriters Paul Wernick and Everett David Reese penned the original draft before it was given to "The Hangover Part II" scribe Craig Mazin. The most part of the recent draft was written by Dan Mazeau, who previously worked on "Wrath of the Titans" script, and Ryan Engle, who penned "Rampage" screenplay.
"Cowboy Ninja Viking" is based on Image Comics graphic novel created by A.J. Lieberman and illustrator Riley Rossmo. The story revolves around the life of Pratt's character Duncan, who suffered from multiple personality disorder. He is recruited by a secret government program and later becomes an assassin who possesses skills of three different personas: a cowboy, a ninja and a viking.
