Michael Mann ('Heat,' 'The Last of the Mohicans') may be an old-school director, but for his next project, he's tackling a decidedly contemporary issue. He is currently putting together an as-yet-untitled thriller for Legendary Pictures that is said to revolve around cyber-terrorism. No other plot details have been made public at this time. The screenplay for the cyber thriller was co-written by Mann and screenwriting newbie Morgan Davis Foehl. It appears the lead role in the film will be played by Chris Hemsworth ('Thor'). Hemsworth will next appear in Ron Howard's 'Rush' before reprising his role as Asgard's favored son in 'Thor: The Dark World' in November.

Michael Mann is an interesting filmmaker. He is notoriously selective about what projects he will take on, and though his name commands a great deal of respect, he hasn't been heard from, cinematically speaking, since 2009's 'Public Enemies.' I'm a big fan of his gritty, neo-noir style, and I'm sure it will easily translate to the story of those who use computers to execute their crimes. Of course, the last big cyber-terrorism movie that leaps immediately to mind is 'Live Free or Die Hard,' so Mann doesn't exactly have to worry about elevated audience expectation for this type of film. It'll be interesting to see how Mann works his stylistic tropes into a more techno-savvy crime story. Hemsworth being involved is a further boost to my anticipation for this project. The guy is tremendously talented and is able to balance natural charisma with disciplined character work. It does make me a little sad to contemplate that the most likely reason that Hemsworth is available for this collaboration with Mann is that Steven Spielberg's 'Robopocalypse' has been indefinitely delayed. I'm sure this new cyber thriller will be excellent, but it only somewhat lessens the blow of having to wait so much longer for the epic robot uprising.

What do you guys think? Excited for this Mann/Hemsworth collaboration? Any diehard Michael Mann fans out there? Sound off about your favorites of his titles!

Source: THR