David Fincher‘s long developed remake of 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA has finally secured financing and is moving forward. No word on when production will actually start, but it appears locations are being scouted, which is a very good sign.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Austrailian goverment will be providing Disney a tax break to film Down Under. Scouts are looking at Fox and Village Roadshow sound studios as possible shooting locations for the film.
Last we heard about the movie, Brad Pitt was a possible lead and some Australian news agencies are reporting he is still attached to the project, which The Hollywood Reporter article states is untrue. So, with Fincher also developing an adaptation of the novel GONE GIRL, is 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA: CAPTAIN NEMO going to be made first?
The Jules Verne novel tells the story of a crew “sent to investigate mysterious encounters that are disrupting international shipping, Professor Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and disgruntled harpooner Ned Land are captured when their frigate is sunk during an encounter with the “monster.” The submarine Nautilus and its eccentric Captain Nemo afford the professor and his companions endless fascination and danger as they’re swept along on a yearlong undersea voyage.” Disney previously filmed the novel in 1954 starring Kirk Douglas
Fincher had previously said he envisioned the movie being predominantly CGI, so this could also be a good test run for his potential involvement in a future STAR WARS movie. Disney is likely hoping this can develop into a PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN level franchise.
No start date or release date was announced, but with $20 million in discounts secured, expect more news on this project soon.