Robert Redford has been trying for years to get an adaptation of Bill Bryson’s *hilarious *comic memoir A Walk In The Woods on screen. Originally planned as a reunion for Redford and his Sundance pal Paul Newman, that idea was thwarted by Newman’s death. And after a long trek through development, he’s finally found a director to do it his way. In short, he’ll do it himself{
Nick Nolte is currently on to co-star in the film, which will adapt Bryson’s tome (subtitle: Rediscovering America On The Appalachian Trail), about attempting to conquer at least part of the 2000-mile Trail with his friend "Stephen Katz" (a pseudonym for Matthew Angerer).
In the years since he first optioned the book, Redford has been through several directorial possibilities, including Barry Levinson, Richard Linklater and, as they told the Empire Pod-team last year, Little Miss Sunshine** duo Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton.
But nothing came of the various meetings and now Redford Is in the chair. With a likely summer shoot now being worked out, the film’s rights will be touted at the upcoming Cannes Film Market.
Redford’s latest directing/starring gig, The Company You Keep, is scheduled to arrive here on June 7, though there’s a chance that date has changed. In the meantime, go read the book and learn all about the American woods in the moments between helpless giggling.