The attempt to return Stephen King’s** It** for a new cinematic effort hit a snag back in May when director Cary Fukunaga, who had been heavily involved with development, left over budget and creative disagreements. New Line, which called a halt to forward movement on the film, is now aiming to lock down a replacement, with Mama’s Andrés Muschietti in negotiations to step in and get things back on track{
Muschietti, whose career was boosted by the support of Guillermo del Toro and the success of Mama, adapted from his short, could be the right man to still get the movie made at the lower budget the studio is looking to invest. The story, which is still apparently planned to take place across two parts, sees an evil entity tormenting children in a small Maine town, and frequently taking the form of craven clown Pennywise. Will Poulter was attached to play the villain shortly before Fukunaga left, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, while he’s no longer involved, he could come back.
All involved, which includes producers Dan Lin, Roy Lee, Seth Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg, are starting the search for a writer who can tailor the screenplay to Muschietti’s version of the story, though there’s a chance the director might work on it himself with producing partner/co-writer (and sister) Barbara Muschietti. While the original start of production was scheduled for June, the movie is currently still in limbo.