To those who found great elation in knowing Mike White was set to adapt Seth Grahame-Smith’s bestselling novel PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES…my condolences!
Deadline is reporting White has just dropped out of the directing gig, citing a scheduling snafu with HBO as the primary reason. Not sure how true that is, you’d think White and Lionsgate would hammer out all timing conflicts before actually signing on the line which is dotted. Just a thought…
Anyway, here’s what White had to say about the departure:
“I loved the project and looked forward to working with Lionsgate. Unfortunately, the timing could not be worked out. I wish them the best with the movie.”
Seeing how big the novel adaptation is for Lionsgate (as with THE HUNGER GAMES), the studio is likely making a mad dash to find a director and keep the production on track. We know David O. Russell and Natalie Portman had previously been attached…both of whom are making their Oscar rounds at the moment. My guess is neither of them will return to the property…but I’m always wrong, so…
But who would you wanna see direct PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES? I hope Jonathan Demme, who expressed interest in the past – gets his crack at it. If not, LET ME IN’s Matt Reeves’ is quite capable. What says you?