Weitz rediscovers 'The Golden Compass'

Chris Weitz is again set to direct the first film in the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy.

May  8 2006

'The Golden Compass' merry-go-round continues to turn, with Brit helmer Anand Tucker departing the project and Chris Weitz ('American Pie', 'About a Boy') taking over the reins.

And for those who have been paying attention, yes, that's the Chris Weitz who originally ditched directing duties due to his concerns over the technical challenge involved in bringing the first part of the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy to the big screen.

With Tucker ('Shopgirl', 'Hilary and Jackie') now leaving due to 'creative differences', Weitz, who stayed on as the film's screenwriter, is now firmly back in the director's chair.

'I have never lost my love for Philip Pullman's work, and staying on as screenwriter gave me a better understanding of how a film version can be realised,' he said in a statement.

'I am disappointed that New Line and Anand didn't end up seeing eye-to-eye, but at the same time when I was told the job of director on 'The Golden Compass' was open there was just no way that I could pass it up.'

Where this leaves the film's start date remains to be seen, but with casting calls recently taking place all over the UK (click here for that story), expect 'The Golden Compass' to go into production sooner rather than later.

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