Although they haven’t made much of a splash over here, in Spain Torrente is one of the most popular franchises around, with three films having already been released and a fourth on the way (along with a TV series and ever video games). As always when they spot overseas success, Hollywood has been quick to muscle in, and now New Line is planning an American remake of the gross-out comedy thrillers.
The LA Times say the studio even has somebody in mind for the lead role of Jose Luis Torrente (created by Santiago Segura in the Spanish movies), an overweight, racist, corrupt ex-cop, who’s been fired from the force but still patrols the street delivering his own brand of justice. Although he’s a slightly dark, unlikable figure, the comedy works by showing up just how ridiculous he is.
New Line wants Sacha Baron Cohen to take the role, and the actor is apparently very interested and has had several meeting about the film. Cohen is notoriously picky about his starring vehicles, but with Seinfeld’s Alec Berg, Jeff Schaffer and David Mandel, he may have a bit more Confidence in Torrente, as they also wrote The Dictator, which the actor will shoot next year. As yet, Cohen hasn’t signed on for anything, but Torrente could end up being his next starring vehicle following The Dictator.