While he certainly knows how to keep readers hooked, I doubt many people admire bestselling author Dan Brown for his gripping dialogue. Indeed as many have previously suggested, his actual prose leaves a lot to be desired. However that hasn’t stopped him from giving screenwriting a go, as THR reports that he’s taking over scripting duties on the adaptation of his latest novel, The Lost Symbol.
Steve Knight (Eastern Promises) previously had a crack at the script, but now it’s Brown’s go. To be honest, it might be a good plan, as on screen both Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons had trouble translating the frantic pace of Brown’s book into something that kept the action moving, which sufficiently explaining all the dubious alternative history the author loves to throw into his stories. If Brown can crack a way to do that, then all that may be needed is someone to come in and make the actual dialogue less leaden.
The book itself sees hero Robert Langdon running around Washington DC, looking into the supposed secrets of the Freemasons, which tie into numerous American landmarks from the Capitol to the Washington Monument. As yet neither director Ron Howard nor star Tom Hanks have officially agreed to return, but Sony is keen to get the film in cinemas, and so will be trying to woo both back. No production date has been set, but THR suggests the smart money is to expect it in cinemas in 2013.