Fox Developing Their Own Adaptation of 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA for Director Timur Bekmambetov

Yesterday we reported director David Fincher was in talks with Disney to direct an adaptation of Jules Verne’s 20.000 Leagues Under the Sea after the studio had passed on McG’s take on the classic adventure story back in November.  Now, Heat Vision is reporting that Fox is developing their own futuristic adaptation of the novel to be directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) from a script by Travis Beacham (Clash of the Titans), which will be produced by filmmakers Ridley and Tony Scott.

Since 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is in public domain anybody can adapt it, it’s just a weird coincidence that two major studios are doing it at the same time.  It will be interesting to see if Disney backs down now since Fox’s take on the project seems like it’s almost ready to go while Disney still has to still finalize a deal with Fincher and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns (The Bourne Ultimatum), who will then start to write the film.  It also seems unlikely that this will be Fincher’s next film since he’s currently attached to direct The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo next.

Needless to say, everyone at Collider is itching to see Fincher’s take on the material.  But if Fox gets out of the gate first, it’s hard to see Disney moving forward with the same movie.  I’m sure we’re going to hear a lot about both films over the next few weeks.