ICv2 caught up with 2 Guns writer Steven Grant at Comic-Con to chat about the imminent release of Universal’s action comedy film based on his work (which opens August 2nd, see "First '2 Guns' Trailer").  Grant’s 3 Guns launched last week (see "BOOM! Plans '2 Guns' Sequel").
 
This is the first work of yours that’s been adapted into other media--what was the experience like?
Actually it’s the second [perhaps referring to Mortal Souls--see "'Mortal Souls' Optioned," ed.].  This is the first one that’s made it all the way to the screen.
 
This was a really good experience.  I didn’t have that much directly to do with it.  I just got to cash the checks and sit back and watch it all.  Ross Richie from BOOM! was the one managing the day-to-day things.  But, you know, everyone has been very nice to me.
 
I talked to the producers and the director and the actors and the screenwriter and everybody got the story. I could tell that they knew what I was doing with it, and everyone has been real enthusiastic.  They had me out to the set; treated me very well; and one of the producers stopped by to chat with me yesterday; and everything has been swell so far.  Everyone’s been very friendly.  The whole experience has been just terrific so far.
 
Have you seen the film?
I’ve seen scenes from it; I see the whole thing a week from Monday.  But what I’ve seen has been great.  I sat on a set for a day watching Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg do the same scene over and over and over again.  I’ve been on other sets, and normally you just want to put a bullet through your head after about the fourth take.
 
This [scene] was fascinating, because it was subtly shifting in every single take and it was like they were making themselves into the characters rather than acting on a stage or playing a role.  They seem very into it and they have got wonderful chemistry together.  It’s just amazing.
 
You said they "got" the story.  For those that have read the comic, how familiar will the movie seem to them?
Well, I mean they obviously changed a lot for the screen and I’d hoped they would, because you can do a lot of things in movies that you can’t do on a comic book page.  I would have been very disappointed if they stuck that close.  So the action has changed a little bit, but the characters and the themes and the overall storyline are pretty much the same.
 
And have you heard how the movie is tracking?  How’s it expected to open?
Well, the first thing I heard was that $43 Million was expected to be the opening, but since I have been traveling, I haven’t been paying direct attention.  People have told me that they’ve since upped the estimate, so I guess it’s tracking fairly well.  You have to take that with a grain of salt, until it actually gets released, but it’s looking good.
 
And you’re going to the premiere I assume?
I am.
 
And where’s that and what do you think that’s going to be like?
The premiere is in New York.  Sounds like it’s going to be a madhouse.  I’ve never walked a red carpet before so this will be pretty fascinating.
 
And who will you be wearing?
Who will I be wearing?  My wife and daughter!
 
In the "fashion" sense.
Oh, in the "fashion" sense, who will I be wearing?  Hugo Boss. (laughs)