Commercial director Ash Bolland will direct killer bees as they invade Texas in his debut feature film, The Swarm, the latest B-movie remake on the cards after the surprisingly well received Piranha 3D. According to The Wrap, Vertigo Entertainment and Room 101 are behind the development, with Roy Lee (The Ring) and Steven Schneider (Paranormal Activity) producing. The original 1978 movie saw Michael Caine as an entomologist fending off the stinging nuisances as they swarmed across Texas from South America. It was based on Arthur Herzog's novel of the same name.

Hit the jump for more buzz about The Swarm.

No word yet on if the remake will also be based on the book, or whether an original screenplay will be written, but it'll probably end up as another tame 3D money maker either way.

"We've been fighting a losing battle against insects", declares Michael Caine as Dr. Clane in the first movie, and that would certainly seem to be true. While the original was surprisingly nominated for an Academy Award for Best Costume Design, it was slammed by critics and audiences alike. In fact, Irwin Allen, who directed it, was so disillusioned by the loss he made on the film, he forbade his employees to ever mention it again. The Swarm took in only $10 million with a budget of $21 million. That's a nasty sting - I'm surprised he ever recovered.

The original film is also a sore subject for Sir Michael Caine himself, who despite starring in his fair share of failures, considers the film the worst he ever made. Caine did try to absolve himself with the line "it's not my fault" though, claiming poor special effects were to blame. Well, at least there's something that should definitely be improved upon with today's CGI toys - but still, I doubt Caine will pop back for a cameo.

For those who haven't seen the original film, I actually recommend it - it's totally farfetched and hilariously bad, but that's what makes it entertaining. Take a look at the trailer: