X-Men’s Bryan Singer Set to Direct ‘20000 Leagues Under The Sea’

Bryan Singer just sealed a deal with 20th Century Fox to direct the classic movie, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, according to Deadline. Production is set to begin in the fall, with Singer reported to start casting at the same time.

Singer wrote the story together with Rick Sordelet and Dan Studney, who penned the script based on that story. Singer and Bad Hat Harry Productions' Jason Taylor are also producing the film.

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea is an addition to the 50-year-old director's growing franchise list with Fox. His X-Men: Apocalypse is set for a May 27 release. This gives Singer enough time to make proper preparations for his new sci-fi film project.

Asked about the novel adaptation, Singer told Deadline:

I'm incredibly excited to be working with my friends at Fox, with whom I've had such a long and fruitful relationship. Ever since I was a boy and first discovered the 1870 Jules Verne novel, I have dreamt of retelling this classic story.

Without revealing too much, it contains not only the original characters of Captain Nemo, Ned Land and Professor Aronnax, but also some new and original characters and Sci Fi plot twists culminating in a timeless adventure for all ages.

Last fall, Singer excitedly shared a photo of the story he made on the Jules Verne novel via Instagram, noting that it's his dream to direct his favorite novel as a child.

I'm confident Singer will give justice to 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, especially considering that he's a fan of the classic novel. I can't wait to see Captain Nemo, The Nautilus, and the undersea world complete with high-tech special effects.

Release date remains unknown, but I'm expecting it to hit theaters either 2017 or 2018.