Following the surprise smash success of "Zombieland," the wheels were turning hard for a sequel, or anything really that the folks behind the movie could spinoff. Indeed, you may have forgotten about the failed Amazon pilot for a TV series based on the show. Meanwhile, the past few years have seen a small amount of chatter about a sequel, though with hesitation and caveats from folks like Jesse Eisenberg and director Ruben Fleischer. But it looks like a second kick at the can is happening.
Deadline reports that Sony has just hired Dave Callaham ("Godzilla") to write the script for "Zombieland 2," with Fleischer overseeing everything. Why? Because Fleischer will be back to direct, and the timing couldn’t be better. Ever since "Zombieland," Fleischer has whiffed with his big-screen efforts, the lackluster "30 Minutes Or Less" and star-studded misfire "Gangster Squad." That said, shooting on this is probably a long way off, and it’s not clear if the cast — Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson — all more popular (and more expensive) than they were in 2009, will be back (or will want to return).
In other news, John Landis is working on a 3D conversion of Michael Jackson‘s iconic music video for "Thriller." “It is going to reappear in a highly polished and three-dimensional way that is very exciting on the big screen,” the director told New York Daily News. The plan is for a possible theatrical rollout in 2015, and a Blu-ray release as well. But that’s not all. Keen to keep exploiting Jackson’s brand, his estate is trying to find more ways to use "Thriller," with ideas being tossed around for "a dance experience or a zombie-style, shoot-’em-up-style movie." Can we let the dude rest in peace?
Meanwhile, "Into The Storm" director Steven Quayle will direct "The Lake," reports Variety. The project is penned by Luc Besson and "The Equalizer" scribe Richard Wenk and "focuses on a group of Navy SEALs’ attempt to solve a long-forgotten mystery while uncovering an immense treasure hidden in a lake in war-torn Serbia." We’re sure there will be lots of explosions.