David O. Russell inks writing/directing deal for Uncharted movie - Report

According to the Hollywood Reporter, I Heart Huckabees director Russell will write and direct the upcoming film based on Sony's popular action adventure game. The film will be produced and distributed through the Sony-owned Columbia Pictures.

In early May, Russell was among a list of potential directors for the film, and in August it was reported that negotiations between Russell and Columbia Pictures fell through. However, now all bets seem to be back on.

Given Russell's directorial history (Spanking the Monkey, I Heart Huckabees, Flirting With Disaster), one might not see him as a fit for an action adventure story in the vein of Tomb Raider and Indiana Jones. However, Columbia Pictures copresident Matt Tolmach thinks Russell's past experience, including his work on Three Kings, will help the upcoming video game film adaptation.

"David is a tremendous choice to take on this film," Tolmach said. "He's equally adept at combining all the classic elements involved in this property: great character development, strong comedy and amazing action sequences. He has a brilliant vision for this material and we know he will bring his original, unique voice to this adaptation."

Unfortunately, further specifics on the upcoming film, like a potential release date or cast members, have not been announced. All references to the film thus far have indicated that the flick will follow the events of the first Uncharted title and will not weave elements of Among Thieves and/or the possible third installment, into the narrative.

Russell's next film, the boxing drama The Fighter, starring Mark Whalberg and Christian Bale, is due out in December.