Steven Soderbergh abandons The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Steven Soderbergh’s retirement date just got a little bit closer. The director has reportedly walked away from Warner Bros’ film adaptation of the 1960s spy show The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

According to Indiewire, his decision was the result of WB’s indecisiveness and what he believed to be a lack of commitment to the project.

George Clooney, Bradley Cooper, Joel Edgerton, Matt Damon and Johnny Depp had all passed on leading roles in the flick, with numerous other actors suggested by Soderbergh – including Michael Fassbender – not thought to be big enough by WB brass.

The final straw for Soderbergh was said to be WB’s proposal for a $60 million budget (super low for a franchise starter).

It is unknown if the film – written by Scott Z. Burns and developed by Soderbergh – will still go into production further down the track with another director at the helm.

As for Soderbergh, he’s wrapping up Magic Mike and will soon get to work on his Liberace biopic. And then, it’s so long and thanks for all the fish.

Discuss: Sad to see Soderbergh abandon ship?