Universal Picking Up Charlize Theron Sci-Fi Project 'Agent 13'

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Universal is finalizing a deal to pick up Agent 13, a sci-fi project that sees Charlize Theron attached to star and Rise of the Planet of the Apes director Rupert Wyatt attached to direct.

T.S. Nowlin is the writer behind the pitch, which is based on a little known comic book from 1988. It was created by G.I. Joe and Transformers cartoon writer Flint Dille and David Marconi, who went on to pen the Will Smith thriller Enemy of the State as well as Live Free or Die Hard.

The comic had post-modern pulp overtones, replete with femme fatales and explosive cliffhangers. The main character is male and despite Theron's involvement, will remain that way. (The actress is attached to play another part.)

Sean Daniels, who discovered the comic and has been developing since at least last year, is one of the producers. Theron is also producing via her Denver and Delilah banner.

WME repped the package and took it to the town on Wednesday. Two days later, the bidding came down to Warners and Universal.