Shane Black

Born:December 16, 1961

Place of Birth:Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Known For:Writing

Biography

Shane Black, born on December 16, 1961, is a multi-talented American filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor whose work has left an indelible mark on the action and thriller genres. Renowned for his sharp wit and knack for crafting engaging narratives, Black has penned iconic films such as "Lethal Weapon," "The Last Boy Scout," and "The Long Kiss Goodnight." His creative genius extends beyond writing, as he also stepped into the spotlight with a memorable performance as Rick Hawkins in the classic film "Predator" (1987).

In 2005, Black ventured into directing with his debut film "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," a neo-noir comedy that showcased his unique storytelling style and earned critical acclaim. His directorial journey continued to flourish with blockbuster hits like "Iron Man 3" (2013), where he brought his signature blend of action and humor to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not one to be confined to a single genre, Black impressed audiences with the buddy cop comedy "The Nice Guys" (2016) and the sci-fi thriller "The Predator" (2018).

With a career spanning decades, Shane Black has solidified his status as a visionary in the world of cinema, consistently pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. His ability to infuse his scripts with dynamic characters, clever dialogue, and unexpected twists has garnered him a dedicated fan base and numerous accolades. As the original creator of the beloved "Lethal Weapon" franchise, Black's impact on the action genre is immeasurable, influencing generations of filmmakers and storytellers.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Shane Black is known for his charismatic on-screen presence and versatile acting skills, which have brought depth and authenticity to his performances. Whether he is embodying a tough-talking detective or a wisecracking sidekick, Black's talent shines through, captivating audiences and leaving a lasting impression. In an industry known for its ever-changing landscape, Black's consistent ability to deliver compelling stories with a unique flair has cemented his legacy as a true cinematic trailblazer.

Drawing inspiration from a wide range of influences and experiences, Shane Black continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive storytelling voice and creative vision. His passion for storytelling is evident in every project he undertakes, as he fearlessly explores complex themes, intricate character dynamics, and thrilling plot twists. As a master of his craft, Black remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema that will endure for years to come.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Predator

Rick Hawkins

1987

A team of elite commandos on a secret mission in a Central American jungle come to find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.

The Hunt for Red October

Crewman, USS Reuben James (uncredited)

1990

A new technologically-superior Soviet nuclear sub, the Red October, is heading for the U.S. coast under the command of Captain Marko Ramius. The American government thinks Ramius is planning to attack. Lone CIA analyst Jack Ryan has a different idea: he thinks Ramius is planning to defect, but he has only a few hours to find him and prove it - because the entire Russian naval and air commands are trying to find Ramius, too. The hunt is on!

As Good as It Gets

Cafe 24 Manager

1997

Melvin Udall, a cranky, bigoted, obsessive-compulsive writer of romantic fiction, is rude to everyone he meets, including his gay neighbor, Simon. After Simon is brutally attacked and hospitalized, Melvin finds his life turned upside down when he has to look after Simon's dog. In addition, Carol, the only waitress at the local diner who will tolerate him, leaves work to care for her chronically ill son, making it impossible for Melvin to eat breakfast.

RoboCop 3

Donnelly

1993

The mega corporation Omni Consumer Products is still bent on creating their pet project, Delta City, to replace the rotting city of Detroit. Unfortunately, the inhabitants of the area have no intention of abandoning their homes simply for desires of the company. To this end, OCP have decided to force them to leave by employing a ruthless mercenary army to attack and harass them. An underground resistance begins and in this fight, RoboCop must decide where his loyalties lie.

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe

Self

2014

A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."!

Marvel One-Shot: Agent Carter

Disembodied Voice (voice)

2013

The film takes place one year after the events of Captain America: The First Avenger, in which Agent Carter, a member of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, is in search of the mysterious Zodiac.

Production

Iron Man 3

Screenplay

2013

When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.

The Nice Guys

Writer

2016

A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles and uncovers a conspiracy.

The Predator

Writer

2018

When a young boy accidentally triggers the universe's most lethal hunters' return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled scientist can prevent the end of the human race.

Lethal Weapon

Screenplay

1987

Buttoned-down veteran LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh is partnered with unhinged cop Martin Riggs, who — distraught after his wife's death — has a death wish and takes unnecessary risks with criminals at every turn. The odd couple embark on their first homicide investigation as partners, involving a young woman known to Murtaugh with ties to a drug and prostitution ring.

Lethal Weapon 3

Characters

1992

Riggs and Murtaugh pursue a former officer who uses his knowledge of police procedure and policies to steal and sell confiscated guns and ammunition to local street gangs.

Lethal Weapon 4

Characters

1998

With personal crises and age weighing in on them, Riggs and Murtaugh must contend with deadly Chinese triads trying to free their former leaders from prison and onto American soil.

Lethal Weapon 2

Characters

1989

Riggs and Murtaugh are on the trail of South African diplomats using their immunity to engage in criminal activities.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Screenstory

2005

A petty thief posing as an actor is brought to Los Angeles for an unlikely audition and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation along with his high school dream girl and a detective who's been training him for his upcoming role...

The Last Boy Scout

Story

1991

When the girl that detective Joe Hallenback is protecting gets murdered, the boyfriend of the murdered girl attempts to investigate and solve the case. What they discover is that there is deep seated corruption going on between a crooked politician and the owner of a pro football team.

Last Action Hero

Screenplay

1993

After his father's death, a young boy finds solace in action movies featuring an indestructible cop. Given a magic ticket by a theater manager, he is transported into the film and teams up with the cop to stop a villain who escapes into the real world.

The Long Kiss Goodnight

Producer

1996

Samantha Caine is a small-town schoolteacher and mom with no memory of her life before washing up on a beach eight years ago. After a car accident and a violent home invasion trigger flashes of her past, she discovers she used to be a deadly CIA assassin. Teaming up with a wisecracking private investigator, Mitch, she uncovers a secret government plot to stage a terrorist attack in Niagara Falls. When her daughter is kidnapped, Samantha must return to her old ways to stop the attack, rescue her child, and take down the people who tried to erase her.

The Monster Squad

Writer

1987

Count Dracula adjourns to Earth, accompanied by Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolfman, the Mummy, and the Gillman. The uglies are in search of a powerful amulet that will grant them power to rule the world. Our heroes - the Monster Squad are the only ones daring to stand in their way.