[DVD cover for 1944 adaptation]
Looks like Shawn Levy will be directing FORTY THIEVES…
…a new take on the classic folk tale “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves”
[EDIT]
Described as being in the vein of “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Pirates of the Caribbean,” Levy's retelling of the “Forty Thieves” story is envisioned as an adventure movie with strong comedic undertones.
..says THIS piece at The Wrap.
Not much else is known about the project at this point, including who is writing it, although the piece goes on to indicate that Evan Peters (AMERICAN HORROR STORY perennial and Quicksilver from DAYS OF FUTURE PAST), Liam Hemsworth (HUNGER GAMES) and and Dan Stevens (DOWNTON ABBEY and the forthcoming NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB) are testing for the lead role.
Levy is most visibly known as the helmer of the NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM films, the third of which releases December 19, although his directing work on the hugely underrated REAL STEEL is what cements his awesomeness in my book.
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Glen Oliver
“Merrick”
