Wow. An offer story that actually turned into a concrete gig. Who knew?
Deadline reports that Mike White has formally accepted the director’s chair on “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” after an offer crossed his desk just over a week ago. White beats out a slew of contenders for the job that lined up after David O. Russell left the project including Mike Newell (”Prince Of Persia: The Sands of Time”), Neil Marshall (”Centurion”), David Slade (”The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”), and Jonathan Demme.
It’s an interesting move for White who is previously only known for writing “Orange County,” “School Of Rock” and “Chuck & Buck” (and acting in all three, in addition to other tv and film appearances) and he’s only got one feature on his belt, the low key indie “The Year Of The Dog.” He was apparently sought out for his keen comedic timing but there is also that whole other element of zombie killing which is definitely not in his wheelhouse and it will definitely be a big learning curve project for the helmer.
Produced by Natalie Portman, the film has had myriad names linked to the lead roles including Bradley Cooper, Scarlett Johansson, Mia Wasikowska, Tilda Swinton and Catherine O’Hara but it remains to be seen who will emerge. Production on the film is slated to begin next year.
