"Torrente," an unapologetic dark comedy film series from Spain about a corrupt cop, is getting the remake treatment from New Line Cinema. Mike Bender and Doug Chernack have been brought on board to write the U.S. version, which is being produced by Benderspink.
"Torrente" follows the exploits of Jose Luis Torrente, a poster child for police corruption who is a lazy, rude, despicable drunkard, caring only about protecting and serving himself. Despite that, he still manages to get the job done. The movies were written by, directed by and starred popular Spanish comedian-director Santiago Segura and were produced by Andres Vicente Gomez, who exec produced the Academy Award-winning "Belle Epoque."
The first movie, titled "Torrente: Dumb Arm of the Law," was released in 1998 and spawned two sequels, becoming the most successful comedy franchise in Spanish boxoffice history.
New Line plans to keep the R-rated flavor of the character, with hopes that a successful franchise can be launched stateside.
Toby Emmerich and Guy Stodel will oversee the project for New Line. Jake Weiner is overseeing for Benderspink.
Gomez and Segura will act as executive producers and be creatively involved with the remake.
New Line-based Benderspink produced the comedies "Monster-in-Law" and "Just Friends" as well as "A History of Violence" for the studio.
Bender has written "Bob the Musical," which is set up at the Walt Disney Co. with Mark Waters attached to direct. He was a writer on "Not Another Teen Movie" and also wrote the memorable MTV Movie Awards sketch "Mission: Improbable," which featured Tom Cruise and Ben Stiller.
Bender is repped by Endeavor, Benderspink and attorney Rick Genow.
Borys Kit writes for The Hollywood Reporter.
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