Jonathan Levine, director of the charming ’90s set, hip-hop infused coming-of-age tale “The Wackness” and the horror thriller “All The Boys Love Mandy Lane” (which is still without a proper DVD release in North America) is now attached to direct an adaptation of Richard Aleas’ hardboiled crime novel, “Little Girl Lost” for Universal, who have acquired the rights.
The film has some serious potential, as the novel it’s based on won the 2008 Shamus Award for Best Paperback Original. This writer has read some of Aleas’ other work and it’s sweet, old school noir. Which shouldn’t be a surprise considering it’s published via the Hard Case Crime imprint who specialize in the genre. Most excitingly, the very hot Michael Bacall (“Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World,” “Project X”, “21 Jump Street”) is on board to adapt the novel.
Levine recently wrapped the cancer dramedy “Live With It” starring Seth Rogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Angelica Huston and Philip Baker Hall, taking over the project from Nicole Holofcener. He’s definitely a director on the rise, who seems to enjoy dipping his toes in different genres and we’re eager to see what a potential Levine/Bacall pairing can produce. He’s also attached to direct the comedic zombie feature, “Warm Bodies.” [Variety]