James Marsden to Star in Straw Dogs Remake

Writer/director Rod Lurie (”Nothing but the Truth”) has found his leading man for his remake of Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 thriller “Straw Dogs”. James Marsden, most famous for playing “that other guy” in big Summer event movies (he was that guy standing in the way of Superman and Lois Lane in “Superman Returns” and that guy standing in the way of Jean Grey and Wolverine in the “X-Men” movies), will assay the role of a married man who moves back to his wife’s old homestead, where they are besieged by the locals.

The original “Straw Dogs” (based on “The Siege at Trencher’s Farm” by Gordon Williams) starred Dustin Hoffman and was set in the English countryside. The remake will transplant the story from the English sticks to the deep South. THR says Marsden would play the role of David Summer. Unless, of course, they decide to unnecessarily change the character names.

The pivotal role of Amy Summer (originally played by Susan George) has still not been cast.

Marc Frydman will produce the remake with Rod Lurie, who will write and direct. Gilbert Dumontet will executive produce for Screen Gems. Filming is set to begin in August of this year.

Below: Silly city folk. Will they ever learn?