It took awhile for Ruben Fleischer to decide on his followup to the surprise blockbuster “Zombieland” but thankfully, he’s turned down potential franchise gigs (like “Mission: Impossible 4”) for more interesting projects. Next month he will begin shooting “30 Minutes Or Less,” with Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari and Jesse Eisenberg and he’s already looking further into the future.
Deadline reports that Fleischer has signed to develop and direct “Babe In The Woods.” Based on a script by Mike White that was acquired by Columbia late last summer, the film is about a female freshman from the Midwest who arrives at Yale and becomes a target of the New Jersey mob. Sounds like a perfect role for “Zombieland” star Emma Stone. Fleischer was attached to the film earlier this year, but word at the time was he wasn’t likely to sign on. However, as per usual in Hollywood, things change. Fleisher also has an untitled pitch set up at Dreamworks about which nothing is known except that Nicholas Stoller (“Get Him To The Greek”) and Gavin Polone (“Zombieland”) are attached to produce.
It’s too early to tell if or when those projects might get on their feet and if “30 Seconds Or Less” is a hit, don’t expect those franchise offers to stop.