The latest attempt at an adaptation of Harry Houdini's life and legend will be penned by Max Landis (Chronicle) for Sony Pictures. Originally scripted by Scott Frank nearly three years ago, Houdini previously had Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) in line to direct. There's no mention of a new director for the picture, but Landis' involvement adds some momentum to it. On an interesting note, it sounds as if Landis will color his Houdini interpretation with a bit of an H.P. Lovecraft influence. Hit the jump for more.
Deadline reports that Landis will draft up a new take on Houdini for Sony, one with a Lovecraftian influence. While there are no plot details available at this time, there's a little bit of history to lean on as Lovecraft did some ghostwriting for Houdini in the latter years of the illusionist's life. The 1924 short story "Under the Pyramids" may be the most famous in the collaboration between the two cult icons, so it's likely that elements of the story could find its way into Landis' script.
In addition to Sony's Houdini, Landis turned in a screenplay for Paul McGuigan's Frankenstein, currently filming with Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy and Jessica Brown Findlay starring. His more recent efforts include Good Time Gang and American Ultra, along with his feature directorial debut, Me Him Her.
If you're not following him on Twitter, you probably should, as he's known to talk quite a bit about his upcoming projects:
IA! IA! CTHULU FHGTAGN! One of my three secret projects, announced! Can't wait for the next one to Go Go public.