De Niro ready for another 'Midnight Run'

By Adnan Tezer Mar 8, 2010, 19:57 GMT

Universal is developing a sequel to "Midnight Run," the 1988 action comedy that starred Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin.

Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas (Grodin) is an accountant who embezzled $15 million from Las Vegas gangster Jimmy Serrano (Dennis Farina) and skipped bail. He is hiding in New York when his Los Angeles bail bondsman, Eddie Moscone (Joe Pantoliano), hires bounty hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro) to bring him in by Friday midnight.

Moscone promises Walsh that the job should be a quick and easy one or "midnight run." Walsh is pursued by not just Serrano’s men along the way but also FBI Special Agent Alonzo Mosely (Yaphet Kotto).

Timothy Dowling, who wrote Universal's comedy "Role Models," will write a script that would bring back De Niro's character, Jack Walsh, and team him with a younger actor. 

The film was not a huge financial hit at the time but is widely considered to be one of the best action buddy comedies of the 80’s and has garnered a loyal cult following.

Martin Brest directed the original from a script by George Gallo. Brest, Gallo and Grodin are not expected to return.

The film was later followed by three made-for-TV movies produced in 1994, which did not feature any of the principal actors, although a few characters are carried over from the first film.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, De Niro will produce with Tribeca Films partner Jane Rosenthal.