Question: where was the revenant meant to be set

title: The Revenant (2015 film)
text: Development of The Revenant began in August 2001 , with producer Akiva Goldsman acquiring the rights to Michael Punke 's then - unpublished manuscript . David Rabe had written the film 's script . The production was picked up by Park Chan - wook , with Samuel L. Jackson in mind to star . Park later left the project . The development stalled until 2010 , when Mark L. Smith wrote a new adaptation of the novel for Steve Golin 's Anonymous Content . In May 2010 , Smith revealed that John Hillcoat was attached to direct the film and that Christian Bale was in negotiation to star the movie . Hillcoat left the project in October 2010 . Jean - François Richet was considered to replace him , but Alejandro G. Iñárritu signed on to direct in August 2011 . Goldsman was also confirmed to be producing with Weed Road Pictures . In November , New Regency Productions joined to produce with Anonymous Content , and 20th Century Fox was confirmed to be distributing the film . Days later , Iñárritu stated that he was seeking Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn for the two lead roles . Director