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Michael Bay Out, Mike Newell In for Prince of Persia

by Alex Billington
November 8, 2007
Source: Variety

When the news of a Prince of Persia adaptation to be directed by Michael Bay first came out, the excitement was fairly high. Just like Transformers, I couldn't think of a better director to take on the project, although Michael Bay haters may easily disagree. However, things may not be as they seem, as it was confirmed that filmmaker Mike Newell has been offered the job of directing from producer Jerry Bruckheimer instead. Newell has an extensive range of past directing experience, including Bad Blood, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco, Mona Lisa Smile, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Newell met with studio executives at Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer this week and negotiations are expected to begin shortly. He's not officially signed, but for everyone's sake I hope he decides to take it. The Writers Strike hasn't affected Prince of Persia, as a script has already been completed previously from Jeffrey Nachmanoff (The Day After Tomorrow) and video game creator Jordan Mechner.

Although I've got a soft spot for Chamber of Secrets, Goblet of Fire is still my favorite Harry Potter film. I think that must say something, at least for me, about Newell's directing abilities. He's directed everything from comedy to romance to fantasy action, so I think he'll be quite capable taking on Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. But is a high concept video game the right kind of film for him? I hope so, as I really want this to turn out great, given how big of a fan I am of the video game, too.

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