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‘John Wick’ duo in talks to direct Chris Pratt in ‘Cowboy Ninja Viking’

Chad Stahelski, left, and David Leitch are in talks to direct "Cowboy Ninja Viking."
(Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images)
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The veteran stunt coordinators turned co-directors of the action romp “John Wick” may have their next target in sight. David Leitch and Chad Stahelski are in early talks to direct Chris Pratt in “Cowboy Ninja Viking,” The Times has confirmed.

Variety first reported that Leitch and Stahelski — who have trained actors to kick butt in films such as “300,” “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and “The Bourne Legacy” — are in the mix for the Universal Pictures project, which Pratt boarded in November.

Based on writer A.J. Lieberman and artist Riley Rossmo’s graphic novel, “Cowboy Ninja Viking” is to tell the story of a man with multiple-personality disorder (Pratt) who’s trained by the government as a super-soldier with the skills of the three titular warriors.

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Leitch and Stahelski turned heads earlier this year with “John Wick,” their directorial debut (though technically Leitch was uncredited). The hit man thriller starring Keanu Reeves received strong reviews and grossed a solid $76 million at the worldwide box office, on a $20-million budget.

Given their action pedigree, Pratt’s knack for blending action and comedy, and the gonzo source material, “CNV” is shaping up as an intriguing project, one that Universal is said to be putting on the fast track.

One of the challenges may be working around Pratt’s busy schedule; his upcoming projects include Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” sequel and MGM’s “Magnificent Seven” remake.

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