The 'A.I.' helmer is returning to WB for the first time in 14 years by helming an adaptation of Ernest Cline's award-winning book.
- Mar 26, 2015
AceShowbiz - Warner Bros. has secured Steven Spielberg to helm "Ready Player One" which is scripted by Zak Penn based on Ernest Cline's award-winning book of the same name. The project will mark the director's first collaboration with the studio since 2001's "A.I."
"We are thrilled to welcome Steven back to Warner Bros," said Greg Silverman, the President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production of WB. "We had an historic series of collaborations in the 80s and 90s and have wanted to bring him back for years. As for Ready Player One, we have always felt that Steven was the dream director for this project."
"Player One" is set in the year 2044. It follows outcast teenager Wade Watts who escapes from his bleak surroundings to virtual world called OASIS. He soon finds himself in a treasure hunt against powerful corporate foes and other ruthless competitors who will do anything, in the oasis or the real world, in order to win.
Coincidentally, there are some references to Spielberg in the book. He is mentioned along with other notable directors like George Lucas, David Fincher, Quentin Tarantino, and Guillermo del Toro when Watts is studying the interests of OASIS creator James Donovan Halliday.
Before Steven Spielberg is booked for "Ready Player One", Christopher Nolan, Peter Jackson, Edgar Wright, and Matthew Vaughn were lined up as rumored candidates. No release date has been set for this sci-fi film.
In the meantime, Spielberg is gearing to begin production of his Cold War movie "Bridge of Spies" starring Tom Hanks. He is also attached to direct an adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's book "The BFG.
