Quick Facts
Biography
Michael France (January 4, 1962 – April 12, 2013) was an American screenwriter. He is best remembered for writing the screenplays for Cliffhanger (1993), the James Bond film GoldenEye (1995), and the comic book films Hulk (2003), The Punisher (2004), and Fantastic Four (2005).
Early life
France was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. He attended the University of Florida in the early 1980s, working as a projectionist at a small movie theater in Gainesville and participating in its programming. He earned a graduate degree from the film school at Columbia University in New York City, New York.
Career
France moved to Los Angeles, California, where he sold the script for Cliffhanger. He later wrote the scripts for GoldenEye, Hulk, The Punisher, and Fantastic Four. He also did some uncredited work on The World Is Not Enough. France bought the historic Beach Theater in St. Petersburg, Florida; built in 1939, the theater is known for its screening of independent and foreign films.
Personal life
France lived in St. Pete Beach, Florida, with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children. He died on April 12, 2013, after what was called "an extended illness". He was 51 years old.