When last we reported on the Troika Pictures’ thriller The Hive, it was to announce that director Joel Schumacher (The Phantom of the Opera) had made it his next project. Now it seems as if Schumacher has exited, having been replaced by The Machinist director, Brad Anderson. The film, which sets up in an emergency call center, follows a 911 operator who must overcome her past if she hopes to prevent a serial killer from claiming another victim. Originally reported to have Halle Berry attached (who dropped out due to scheduling issues), several top actresses have expressed interest. In a script by Rich D’Ovidio (Exit Wounds), The Hive is scheduled to begin production in late spring. Hit the jump for more.

Variety reported on Anderson taking over the helm from Schumacher, on which producers Michael Helfant and Robert Stein of Troika had this to say:

"We are thrilled to have Brad directing The Hive. He shares our passion and excitement for this edge-of-the-seat thriller. The Hive is exactly the kind of film we set out to make when we formed Troika Pictures with our financiers."

Anderson, it seems, is equally ecstatic about his involvement with the picture:

"I'm extremely excited about working with Troika on The Hive. This script has two elements I always look for in a thriller -- strong, believable female characters and a smart, very dark and very creepy story that will definitely resonate with large audiences."

With production scheduled to start in a few months, we should start to hear who could be cast in both the “strong, believable female character” roles as well as the dark and creepy serial killer. Definitely one to keep an eye on as Anderson has quite the knack for both energy and intrigue, having directed a number of TV series including The Killing, Fringe, Boardwalk Empire and The Wire.