Horror fans had high hopes for Cary Fukunaga's planned adaptation of Stephen King classic "It," before the director abruptly left the project back in May. Now, the flick has apparently found his replacement.

The Hollywood Reporter writes that Andy Muschietti is in negotiations to take over for Fukunaga, who departed the flick after reported differences with studio New Line over creative choices and budgetary concerns. While a relative newcomer in Hollywood, Muschietti has already proven his horror chops, directing and co-writing 2013 hit "Mama," which starred Jessica Chastain and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.

According to THR, "It" was supposed to have started shooting in June, but Fukunaga's exit threw a wrench in those plans, and there's no clear revised start date yet. Like Fukunaga's version, the plan is still to split the movie into two parts to service King's massive novel, and New Line will hire a new writer "to tailor a script to Muschietti's vision," per THR.

Another consideration for Muschietti is whether or not Will Poulter will remain involved with the flick. The young actor had been cast as evil clown Pennywise -- reportedly at the behest of Fukunaga, who loved Poulter's audition -- but according to THR, is "no longer officially attached but could possibly return depending on scheduling and other factors."

We'll have to wait for the ink to dry on Muschietti's contract before we find out more. Here's hoping he has more success with the adaptation than Fukunaga.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]

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