Universal Selects New ‘Bioshock’ Director

bioshock

Every since it was released on video game consoles all over the world, everyone has been wondering when a movie based on ‘Bioshock’ would be made.   After Gore Verbinski signed on then dropped out due to scheduling conflicts with his animated film, ‘Rango,’ everyone has been wondering who would replace him.   Well, that wait is over according to Variety.   They are claiming Universal is close to signing a deal with ’28 Weeks Later…’ helmer Juan Carlos Fresnadillo to step in as ‘Bioshock’s director.

If this news ends up being accurate and a deal is signed, Fresnadillo’s stroke in Hollywood will skyrocket practically overnight.   He garnered some attention with his stylistic thriller ‘Intacto’ in 2001, and he gained even more fans after turning in a worthy sequel to ’28 Days Later…’.   Some even claim his sequel to the Danny Boyle-directed film is better than its predecessor.

With Fresnadillo close to signing a deal in a high-profile project, it is looking like Hollywood’s claim on up and coming Spanish directors is ever-growing.   With Guillermo Del Toro, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, and Alfonso Cuaron already launching their respective careers in Hollywood, the importing of directors from Spanish-speaking countries seems to be an ideal choice.

Universal, who is bound and determined not to have a ‘Halo’-style project on their hands, is looking to get ‘Bioshock’ made come hell or high water, no pun intended.   The film was initially put on the back-burner after its budget escalated to past $160 million.   With negotiations with Fresnadillo fully underway, it is looking like the studio is making every attempt to get this one done.

Production on Verbinski’s ‘Bioshock’ Halts

bioshock

We brought you news earlier this month that Gore Verbinski would be passing up doing a ‘Pirates 4,’ so that he could work on other projects near and dear to him.   Among those projects was his adaptation of the hugely successful video game, ‘Bioshock.’

Word comes today that Universal has put a halt to production on ‘Bioshock’ claiming the projected $160 million budget was not to their liking.   Production had not begun yet, but pre-production was well underway.   The film was revving up to begin shooting in Los Angeles.

“We were asked by Universal to move the film outside the U.S. to take advantage of a tax credit,† Verbinski said. “We are evaluating whether this is something we want to do. In the meantime, the film is in a holding pattern.†

Sources at Universal claim they and Verbinski are determined to get the film completed.

Source: Variety