X-Men director Bryan Singer previously revealed that a new big-screen take on Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea would be his next film, and now we know that he’s planning on starting production this fall. Last year, he said the following about his 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea movie.
“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.”
Deadline reports that Singer has closed his deal with 20th Century Fox to make the movie from a script by Rick Sordelet & Dan Studney, based on a story by Singer and those writers. Singer will produce with Jason Taylor, who heads the director’s Bad Hat Harry Productions.
Singer told the site: “I’m incredibly excited to be working with my friends at Fox, with whom I’ve had such a long and fruitful relationship. Ever since I was a boy and first discovered the 1870 Jules Verne novel, I have dreamt of retelling this classic story. Without revealing too much, it contains not only the original characters of Captain Nemo, Ned Land and Professor Aronnax, but also some new and original characters and Sci Fi plot twists culminating in a timeless adventure for all ages.”
Originally published in a serialized form beginning in 1869, Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea tells the story of Captain Nemo and the crew of his submarine vessel, the Nautilus, as they embark on incredible adventures and encounter fantastic sea life beneath the surface.
Multiple takes on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea have hit the big screen over the years, with director Richard Fleischer delivering Walt Disney Pictures’ 1954 version. Arguably the best known film adaptation, it stars Kirk Douglas and won two Academy Awards (Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color and Best Effects, Special Effects).
Walt Disney Pictures nearly went forward with their own adaptation of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea a few years ago with David Fincher attached to direct.
