Ben Stiller to Direct Walter Mitty
Ben Stiller is in discussions to not only star in 20th Century Fox's remake of THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY, but also direct, reports Variety. Steve Conrad (THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS) is writing the screenplay.
Based on James Thurber's short story, the story follows a daydreaming book editor who imagines himself in all sorts of heroic scenarios. The 1947 Danny Kaye film version was a loose adaptation.
The project has long been in development at several studios. Directors that circled the project include Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg and most recently Gore Verbinski. Stars at one time attached include Mike Myers and Jim Carrey.