Deadline.com reports that Brad Peyton is making a deal to direct the Journey to the Center of the Earth sequel while Brendan Fraser is pulling out as the film's star.

New Line and Walden Media are putting the film into preproduction, but intend to jigger the story so that Josh Hutcherson, who played Fraser's nephew in the first film, becomes the lead character.

Deadline notes that sources caution Fraser could still possibly return but that it's unlikely.

Fraser felt strongly about making the movie with Eric Brevig, who directed the original, but Brevig is working on another film for the studio (Yogi Bear) and Warners, says Deadline, is high on Peyton because of Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, the Peyton-directed film that the studio opens July 30.

Deadline opines there could now be a game of chicken between Fraser and New Line/Walden Media -- a game that comes with risks on both sides.

Story: http://www.hollywoodwiretap.com/?module=news&action=story&id=48495