Tim Burton left Disney in a bit of a pickle by abandoning the helm of Maleficent, the retelling of its own classic adaptation of Sleeping Beauty from antagonist Maleficent’s perspective. Even without Burton’s involvement, Angelina Jolie is still attached to the film as the titular villain. Consequently, the Mouse House is still eager to get this project rolling. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but a certain Oscar-nominated director has his eye on the director’s seat.
David O. Russell, director of I Heart Huckabees and this year's Oscar-winning film The Fighter, is reportedly interested in directing the film for Disney. Latino Review reveals that he’s now circling the project thanks to his recent departure from Unchartered: Drake’s Fortune, which will leave his options open for the moment.
Russell is attached to the drama The Silver Linings Playbook, but that’s currently slated for a 2013 release. He also might direct the upcoming sequel to The Fighter, but there aren’t any dates set for that project just yet. He has flirted with numerous other projects in the last year, so add Maleficent to the list. Although fantasy/action film doesn't exactly speak to his forte, his involvement would generate much interest in the project.
How would you feel if Russell hopped on board to direct Disney’s Maleficent?