Richard Pryor’s classic comedy, Brewster’s Millions, will be getting a new facelift. Robert Townsend will direct the big-screen adaptation for Warner Bros.
In the film, Montgomery Brewster is a man of great potential. Heir to his uncle’s fortune, he is a playboy, very much the American equivalent of P.G. Wodehouse’s Bertie Wooster. However, unlike Bertie, Monty Brewster has a shrewd intellect behind his shallow exterior. Following his uncle’s death, he discovers the old man has bequeathed one million dollars to him . . . or, if he is up to the challenge, he can win 7 million by spending the one million dollar inheritance within the space of a year. When Monty decides to go for the big jackpot, he has to keep his plans a secret from everyone — even though it may cost him his fiancee and his friends!
Originally a 1902 novel by George Barr McCutcheon, the text was subsequently adapted for the big screen twice: Once in 1945 with Allan Dwan directing and Dennis O’Keefe starring and once in 1985 with Walter Hill at the helm and Richard Pryor headlining opposite John Candy.
According to Variety, the project is now moving forward through Final Girl producers Joseph and Jack Nasser.