The Wrap is reporting Shawn Levy (REAL STEEL, NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM) will direct a new take on the Arabian Nights tale "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" for Fox called 40 THIEVES. The project is being described as "an adventure movie with strong comedic undertones," similar to PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY.
The site also has some information on who is being considered for the lead role Allen, who might be a stand-in for Ali Baba. According to the site, Evan Peters (X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST), Liam Hemsworth (THE HUNGER GAMES) and Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) are testing for the part.
Besides directing FORTY THIEVES, Shawn Levy will also be producing the film through his 21 Laps production company, however it's not clear when he will start shooting for the movie. Levy might still be attached to direct the Will Smith film CITY THAT SAILED, has apparently been secretly working on a REAL STEEL sequel, and recently we learned is in talks with Warner Bros. to develop a Minecraft movie. But his next project will likely be FORTY THIEVES since he is checking out actors for the lead role. Are you interested in seeing a new (probably modern) take on "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" directed by Shawn Levy?
Shawn Levy's NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB opens on December 19, 2014.