Gore Verbinski, at work on a big screen adaptation of videogame BIOSHOCK, has signed a three-year first-look deal at Universal Pictures, per VARIETY.
Verbinski directed all three PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN pictures for Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and will work on the Take-Two videogame project before moving onto other films.
John Logan (THE AVIATOR, GLADIATOR) wrote the script, whose story surrounds the mysterious events that transpire in an underwater utopia known as Rapture.
"The people here have a genuine passion for filmmaking and a deep appreciation of the cinematic experience," Verbinski said. "I look forward to taking my own productivity up a notch both as a producer and director, by building a brand that will focus on my core business while synergizing multiple forms of entertainment."
Take-Two is working on a 2009 BIOSHOCK sequel, which will most likely be released before the film adaptation.
Aside from the PIRATES franchise, Verbinski has helmed THE WEATHER MAN, THE MEXICAN, THE RING and MOUSE HUNT.
"Gore has a innate sense of what thrills and entertains audiences around the world, an unmatched ability to navigate genres and talent that elevates any film he's on with peerless imagination and craftsmanship," said Universal co-chairman David Linde to VARIETY.
