Source: Variety
will step into a slot vacated by Peter Berg to direct Paramount Pictures’ Dune, the latest adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi classic novel.
Variety reports that Morel, who directed 2008’s Luc Besson-produced Taken and the upcoming Besson-produced From Paris with Love, has signed a deal with the studio and will work to hone the script.
The film, according to the trade, is one of the biggest priorities on the slate of Paramount Motion Picture Group president Adam Goodman.
Dune had been developed by Berg, who left when he committed to Universal’s “Battleship.”
Berg developed a draft with Josh Zetumer. Paramount will work off Zetumer’s draft, but the studio will secure another writer shortly, says Variety.
The deal makes Dune a candidate to be the next directing assignment for Morel, who is in early stage development on a sequel to Taken. He is also developing Pursuit, an action thriller at Universal.
