UA taps McQuarrie to pen two films

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Hollywood's United Artists Entertainment says Christopher McQuarrie has been hired to write and produce two new films.

McQuarrie, who penned "The Usual Suspects" and co-wrote UA's upcoming "Valkyrie," will make the films "The Champions" and "The Monster of Florence," the studio said.

"Chris is a remarkable talent who always brings a valuable perspective to the table. We are thrilled to be working with him on both projects," UA boss Tom Cruise said in a statement.

United Artists Chief Operating Officer Elliott Kleinberg said: "Chris McQuarrie is a uniquely gifted artist. We look forward to continuing our long and productive partnership with Chris."

McQuarrie is working on "The Champions" with fellow writer/producer Guillermo del Toro. The film is based on the 1968-69 British TV series, which follows the adventures of a team of secret government agents rescued from a Himalayan plane crash by an advanced civilization and given superhuman abilities, UA said.

"'The Monster of Florence' is a surreal account of two writers opening a proverbial Pandora's box with their research. They witness first-hand how the misguided good intentions of others allow evil to flourish, eventually becoming a part of the story themselves," McQuarrie said.