If you’re into screenwriting on ANY level, there was only one screenwriting god before Quentin Tarantino. His name is Shane Black, and arguably the only movie that the man has EVER faltered on during his time as a AAA-list writer is The Last Action Hero. With a list of movies that reads like an awards list of awesome (Lethal Weapon 1&2, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and The Last Boy Scout), Shane Black revealed to Ain’t It Cool News’ Harry Knowles that his next project is the 1930’s pulp comics hero, Doc Savage. So what do the Star Trek producers have to do with it? See all after the jump!

Thanks to MTV Splash Page for the information. Cut-n-pasted:

Ain’t It Cool News webmaster Harry Knowles spoke with writer Shane Black, best known for his “Lethal Weapon” and “The Last Boy Scout” screenplays, during a chance encounter this weekend. The screenwriter revealed that “Doc Savage,” based on the Lester Dent-penned pulp icon, would be his next project.

Additionally, Black said that Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman of “Star Trek” and “Cowboys & Aliens” fame will produce the “Doc Savage” adaptation.

Doc Savage — real name Clark Savage, Jr. — is an ordinary human with extraordinary abilities, thanks to deliberate and rigorous training enacted by a team of scientists during Savage’s early childhood. Among Savage’s many gifts are his enhanced strength and agility, his brilliant mind and his kindhearted nature — all of which stand to serve him on his various globe-trotting adventures.

According to Black, the screenplay sticks closely to Savage’s earliest roots — in other words, the film is set during the 1930s.

“I did inquire if they were modernizing the character,” reports Knowles. “I asked this with dread in my belly, and Shane passed the test by saying the character can not be separated from the 30s.”

Furthermore, “Doc Savage” will boast an entirely original story — not an adaptation of a previous adventure — though certain elements, including Savage’s Fabulous Five partners, would wind up in the film.