Just to let you know, from this point forward if I ever have to name Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck in a headline again, he's going to be FHvD.  Make a note.

With that out of the way, I'm happy to report that von Donnersmarck will be making "The Tourist" his follow up to his Oscar-winning film, "The Lives of Others".  While the director hasn't formally entered into negotiations, he is considered the top choice to helm the spy thriller which is expected to be Angelina Jolie's next project.   With the combo of Jolie, Sam Worthington as the male lead, and now von Donnersmarck as the director, "The Tourist" could begin filming this February for a 2011 release. Hit the jump for more details.

Putting the future of "Wanted 2" in doubt, Jolie has chosen to follow-up her starring role in the upcoming spy thriller, "Salt" by starring in the spy thriller, "The Tourist".  While I think figuring out ways to revive her character for "Wanted 2" is more difficult than re-signing her to the role-that donut glaze bath can only do so much-I have to wonder if Jolie wants to follow up two spy thrillers with an action thriller.  Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that Jolie keeps taking on these roles, but looking at her record I'm betting she'll want to do a drama before making a return to big budget action flicks.

But "The Tourist" looks to be a good use of her time.  Not only is she starring opposite Sam Worthington, a man who was able to shine through the crap of "Terminator Salvation", but since Jolie's approval came on the condition of hiring of von Donnersmarck, it's clear that production company Spyglass is not treating "The Tourist" like it's just another spy movie.  Jolie would play an "Interpol agent who draws an unwitting American tourist (Worthington) into her attempt to locate a criminal who was once her lover."  So it's not only to catch a criminal, but the best revenge-against-an-ex of all-time.

[Variety]