Robert A. Heinlein's "The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag" may become feature film

The Hollywood Reporter has news of an upcoming film project based on Robert A. Heinlein's 1942 novella "The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag". Specifically, THR says that Phoenix Pictures is producing a film version written and directed by Alex Proyas (who directed I, Robot), which will be produced by Phoenix principals Mike Medavoy, Arnie Messer, and Brad Fischer, and executive produced by Heinlein estate film agent Vince Gerardis and literary agent Ralph Vicinanza.

The budget for the film is expected to be $40-$50 million, but THR says "a title change is likely." The producers describe the story as "a complex psychological thriller with plenty of action as well as some love interest."

THR says the story "centers on a man who becomes increasingly disturbed when he realizes he cannot account for his activities during the day, or even what he does for a living. He divulges his problem to the husband-and-wife partners of a private detective agency, and their investigation leads to a series of revelations they could never have fathomed." They expect production to begin in 2010.

Proyas has apparently been a fan for a long time, saying "I read this story as a kid, and it really stayed with me. It's part of my creative DNA."