Remember watching Zombieland and wondering why School of Rock and Nacho Libre screenwriter Mike White makes a 10 second cameo in the first half of the film? Well, it seems that’s because White is a diehard zombie fan. (Who isn’t?)
That love for zombies is a big reason why White is now at the top of the list to direct the adaptation of the Seth Grahame-Smith book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. For those unaware, the journey to get this film a crew has actually been a trying one. Here’s the breakdown from the LA Times:
The quirky auteur David O. Russell had been on board to direct the movie. But last month the “Flirting with Disaster” filmmaker decamped to make the video game adaptation “Drake’s Fortune.” That created a vacuum behind the camera, and four weeks weeks later, no filmmaker has been selected to replace him (although Lionsgate says a choice is expected soon).
One name that numerous agents and managers — who have been briefed by those affiliated with the film — have pointed to in recent days as a top contender is Mike White. White is a relatively inexperienced director, but supporters say the choice is not without its logic.
A writer (“School of Rock,” “Orange County,” Chuck & Buck”) and director (“The Year of the Dog”) known for black comedy, White is seen as one of the few candidates who can handle the film’s many tones.
White’s style in the arts of dark comedy and affinity for zombies may just be the combination in a director that this film needs. No word on a cast yet, but Natalie Portman has expressed interest since the beginning of this journey, so she may still be attached once the film finds some bodies to put behind the camera.
