X-Men: Apocalypse director Bryan Singer announced today that his next project, which he wrote the story for and will direct, is an adaptation of Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The deep-diving sci-fi tale has been in varying stages of development for quite some time, with names like David Fincher and McG being attached in recent years. Now with Singer confirming his involvement as director on the project, we not only know that 20,000 Leagues is moving forward, but that he will not be returning to the X-Men universe for his next movie.
Singer crafted his story idea inspired by Verne's classic, though no details are currently available as to just what his specific take will be on it, except to say it will be an "epic and emotional adventure for all ages!" Screenwriters Rick Sordelet and Dan Studney get the script cover credit for adapting the sci-fi tale; Studney's last screenwriting effort came on Singer's Jack the Giant Slayer though the only credits I can find for Sordelet are as a stunt coordinator. The Jack the Giant Slayer connection definitely tempers my expectations for this film, but it's still exciting to see such a classic story getting another chance to play out on the big screen.
Take a look at Singer's announcement for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea via Instagram:
It's my 50th birthday (ouch), and I just put the finishing touches on the script for my next film. A story I've wanted to retell since childhood. I promise this will be an epic and emotional adventure for all ages! An adventure very dear to my heart. Not abandoning the #xmen universe. Very excited about #xmenapocalypse and beyond. #julesverne #20000leaguesunderthesea #nemo A photo posted by Bryan Singer (@bryanjaysinger) on
Be sure to give us your thoughts on Singer as director, along with your wishlist cast in the comments below! Here's the synopsis for Verne's classic "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" (via Amazon):
Professor Aronnax, his faithful servant, Conseil, and the Canadian harpooner, Ned Land, begin an extremely hazardous voyage to rid the seas of a little-known and terrifying sea monster. However, the "monster" turns out to be a giant submarine, commanded by the mysterious Captain Nemo, by whom they are soon held captive. So begins not only one of the great adventure classics by Jules Verne, the 'Father of Science Fiction', but also a truly fantastic voyage from the lost city of Atlantis to the South Pole.
