James Cameron has long harboured the desire to direct The Dive, the true, tragic love story of married free divers Francisco “Pippin” Ferraras and Audrey Mestre. But though he’s clung to the idea for more than six years, it would appear that making the Avatar sequels has finally gotten in the way and he’s handed the Dive snorkle over to Martin Campbell.
Ferraras and Mestre were pre-eminent in their chosen sport, a risky activity that involves diving down to great depths without equipment. Mestre sadly died in 2002 attempting to better her world record of 427 feet.
Noted underwater enthusiast Cameron took an active interest in the story, even going so far as to film Ferraras from a submersible as he made tribute dive in her memory, heading down to the depth that cost her life.
While the Titanic director originally hired Battle Angel co-writer Laeta Kalogridis to craft the first draft, the writing duties have now been turned over to Changeling’s J Michael Straczynski, who will work on the screenplay with Campbell for 20th Century Fox.
Campbell, who last shot Green Lantern, is also developing conspiracy thriller **Umbra with Paul Haggis re-writing the script.