Attempted Film Adaptation
Steven Soderbergh was attached to direct an adaptation of the television series with George Clooney set to star but had to back out due to health issues. After his departure, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum, Alexander Skarsgård, Ewan McGregor, Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Michael Fassbender, Bradley Cooper, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Kinnaman, Russell Crowe, Chris Pine, Ryan Reynolds, and Jon Hamm were considered for the lead role. Film production was to start in March 2012.
Executives from Warner Bros. wanted the budget to not exceed $60 million. However, Soderbergh felt that it was not enough money due to the demands of the project such as the 1960s-era sets and props and the multi-continental settings. In addition to casting problems, Soderbergh backed out of the directing chair.
Guy Ritchie was going to replace Soderbergh before the film adaptation was canceled.
Read more about this topic: The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
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