Mark Palansky (PENELOPE) has been hired to direct Sony's IRON JACK, reports VARIETY. Johnny Rosenthal earned $1.25 million against $2 million selling his spec script to Sony, who beat out MGM, CBS Films and Spyglass. Taking place in the 1930s, the tale follows a famed novelist on his search for a legendary treasure.

Broken Road Productions' Todd Garner is the producer. George Heller and Jeremy Bell are the exec producers.