Justin Lin to Direct True Story 'The Last Days of John Allen Chau' Before Filming Live-Action 'One Punch Man' for Sony

by Darian Scalamoni

    Franchise filmmaker Justin Lin (Fast Five, Star Trek Beyond) is heading back to his indie roots before he heads up another major blockbuster hope for Sony, as Deadline reports that Lin will direct the dramatic true story of The Last Days of John Allen Chau. 

    Filming for The Last Days of John Allen Chau is set to begin this Spring as Lin will direct from a script penned by Ben Ripley (Source Code). While Lin has been entrenched within big budget fare in recent years directing four of the Fast & Furious films and taking a stab at sci-fi with Star Trek Beyond, sources say he's been looking to return to his indie roots for his next project at the tragic story of Chau intrigued him enough to jump on board. However, Lin will return back to tentpoles following his work on this film as Lin is also attached to direct the live-action feature adaptation of popular anime One Punch Man for Sony Pictures.

    The Last Days of John Allen Chau is based on an article of Outside Magazine published by Alex Perry which tells the story of Chau, who believes that he's been chosen to save the souls of an isolated tribe of North Sentinel Island. The island is a remote and protected location in the Indian Ocean where outsiders are forbidden, however, Chau embarks on a terrifying journey to convert the Sentinelese people in in his desperation effort to search for spiritual purpose and belonging. 

    Justin Lin's films have grossed over $2 billion worldwide at the box-office over his career. Lin has always promoted representation and diversity throughout his career which makes him an inspired choice to helm this particular project. He's responsible for reinvigorating the Fast & Furious universe and expanding it to major popularity. His directorial debut came 20 years ago with the critically acclaimed film Better Luck Tomorrow which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.