I am baffled that Hollywood has yet to film the definitive version of The Odyssey, settling for that 1997 TV miniseries.  Homer's epic poem is filled with cinematic set pieces---given the public domain status, it seems natural that some cunning studio would have filmed The Odyssey in 3D, split it into a two parts, and made a fortune by now.  Warner Bros. is currently developing an adaptation, but not quite the definitive version I imagined.  Instead, based on a pitch by Terry Douglas, this Odyssey is set in space.  That is actually a neat sci-fi twist that should play well with the creatures and supernatural elements of Greek mythology in the story.  I want to see this version, too, but hope it encourages a traditional adaptation rather than replace it.

Deadline reports WB hired James DiLapo to write the script.  Douglas will produce alongside Paris Kasidokostas Latsis (The Box), David Heyman (the Harry Potter series), and Jeff Clifford.  As you already guessed, Warner Bros. sees this as a potential franchise.  Hit the jump for a refresher on the story.

Homer's epic chronicle of the Greek hero Odysseus' journey home from the Trojan War has inspired writers from Virgil to James Joyce. Odysseus survives storm and shipwreck, the cave of the Cyclops and the isle of Circe, the lure of the Sirens' song and a trip to the Underworld, only to find his most difficult challenge at home, where treacherous suitors seek to steal his kingdom and his loyal wife, Penelope. Favorite of the gods, Odysseus embodies the energy, intellect, and resourcefulness that were of highest value to the ancients and that remain ideals in our time. [Amazon]