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David O. Russell Has Exited Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

by Ethan Anderton
October 5, 2010
Source: Vulture

Though we've heard about his involvement with the adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith novel remix Pride and Prejudice and Zombies since last December, it looks like director David O. Russell has now departed the project. Vulture has new news which pegs his departure from an issue with scheduling. Star and producer Natalie Portman couldn't meet the proposed start date, so Russell has moved on to direct the previously reported film Old St. Louis with Vince Vaughn instead. However, scheduling issues have made a previous casting addition null and void, but allowed for a once rumored actress to step in. Details below.

Old St. Louis follows a traveling salesman (Vaughn), who has been an absentee father, and the changes in his life when his daughter becomes part of his new life. Previously, we'd heard Scarlett Johansson would take the role of Vaughn's secretary who accompanies him and his daughter on a cross-country sales trip. However, the sudden bump up in the start of production will keep her out of the project. However, the earlier shoot dates will now allow Chloe Moretz, who had to pass on the project previously, to take the role of Vaughn's daughter.

Personally, I would've much rather seen Russell tackle Pride and Prejudice and Zombies if only because it would've been something completely different for the filmmaker. This likely reduces the chances of Russell directing the Jim Carrey comedy Under Cover as well. The real question now though is whether Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is dead in the water, or if another director will quickly be found to take up the adaptation. Anyone else disappointed?

Filed under Casting, Movie News, Opinions

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