Mike Fleming at Deadline.com is reporting that Craig Gillespie will be taking the helm of the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies big screen adaptation.
"Gillespie has been a frontrunner on the Lionsgate project since Mike White dropped out. But several other candidates were considered, including the author and his partner, David Katzenberg. I'm told that the other aspirants have been informed that Gillespie will be getting the gig and that he'll begin negotiating soon."
Gillespie's previous directing efforts include Lars and the Real Girl, Mr. Woodcock and the upcoming remake of Fright Night.
Looks like Craig Gillespie, director of Lars and the Real Girl and the 2011 remake of Fright Night, is in the lead, at least for this week, to direct the film version of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
Deadline.com reports that "Gillespie is frontrunner to direct" however Lionsgate has said there is "no deal yet".
And the MTV Movies Blog thinks he's the perfect choice:
But it's really the fact that Gillespie directed the upcoming horror comedy Fright Night that has us thinking he's the right man for the job. The remake of the 1985 classic is sure to be a hit thanks to its three powerhouse leading men: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell and Doctor Who's David Tennant. We just like to think of Fright Night's ironic edge as a primer for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
Having seen the underwhelming Lars and the Real Girl as well as Mr. Woodcock, another title on Gillespie's filmography, we can't share MTV's confidence or enthusiasm about this news but, no matter who ends up in the director's chair, we're going along for the ride.