Mark Wahlberg’s ‘Six Billion Dollar Man’ Loses Director Damián Szifron, Mel Gibson as Possible Replacement

Just when we thought that all systems are in place for Mark Wahlberg’s latest outing as half cyborg pilot Steve Austin in “Six Billion Dollar Man,” things recently came to a screeching halt as the movie just lost director Damián Szifron. With the film a part of Warner Bros.’ upcoming projects in development, Szifron was a crucial part in the process, after having co-written the screenplay.

The Hollywood Reporter cites “creative differences” as the reason for Szifron’s exit. Despite the director’s departure, though, the studio still aims in keeping up with its schedule for “Six Billion Dollar Man.” Filming is set to commence this summer, and now the hunt is on for a new helmer.

That said, THR also reports that “The Passion of the Christ” director and action star Mel Gibson is in the running to helm the film, while also being considered for the part of Oscar Goldman (a role previously held by Richard Anderson), Steve Austin’s “handler.”

Wahlberg will bring life to Col. Steve Austin, who was previously played by Lee Majors in the 1974 series, “Six Million Dollar Man.” Austin was a skilled pilot who almost died in an accident. He was revived and rebuilt with nuclear-powered limbs and implants, with the operation’s overall amount of six million dollars. Austin uses these newly-built abilities to serve as a spy for the Office of Scientific Intelligence.

“Six Billion Dollar Man” is still in development, but more details will soon be released in time for the film’s production.