Meg a Go-Go?

One of the more fun book series that I got hooked on over the years is Steve Alten’s MEG, about a giant prehistoric shark on the loose on the California coast. A shark so big it made JAWS look like a guppy. The idea for it to be adapted into a movie was a no-brainer, but as it’s been kicked around from different studios, it didn’t seem like it was ever going to happen. Until today.

Variety had a chance to chat with attached director Jan De Bont (SPEED), who said that he’s confident that MEG will be greenlit this year for a potential summer 2008 release. Why the hold up? New Line (the current owner of the property) has had a few other costly films in the pipeline already, and with MEG’s estimated budget of $150 MILLION, it’s been difficult to make it happen.

If done right (and with De Bont, it could go either way), MEG has the potential to be box office gold, not to mention one kick ass ride- especially considering the book’s original pitch of combining JAWS and JURASSIC PARK. It’s surprising it’s taken this long to make it, so let’s cross our fingers New Line finally gives the project the go-ahead, so we have something to look forward to next summer. MEG is looking to start production this spring, with a summer 2008 release in mind. Let’s hope it happens.