We’ve been hearing about Steven Soderbergh’s big-screen take on THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. for years, but now long rumoured star and friend of the director George Clooney has officially bailed on the project to be replaced by eager up-and-comer Bradley Cooper.

After HAYWIRE, MAGIC MIKE and a Liberace biopic, THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. is Soderbergh’s next project, and he was supposed to be retiring. This is most likely to be a big budget version of the classic TV show along the lines of what they did with MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE. The original series focussed on collaborative secret agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin and was partly developed by Ian Fleming don’t you know. Once upon a time it was rumoured to be a post JACKIE BROWN project for Quentin Tarantino.

Bradley Cooper made LIMITLESS fun to watch with his character’s journey and next has Alex Proyas’ PARADISE LOST on his shooting schedule. THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. will most likely ramp up production in March.

For anyone who doubts Steven Soderbergh can do action, check out the trailer for HAYWIRE on its way in the new year. Now tell me you don’t want to see THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. directed by that guy!

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