“Night at the Museum” director Shawn Levy looks to have found his next big tentpole project, coming on board to direct “40 Thieves” for Fox.
Jayson Rothwell penned the script with Bernie Goldman producing.
Plot is described as a retelling of the classic tale of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” as an adventure film with strong comedic undertones. Fox hopes it turns into the type of four-quadrant tentpole that Levy has made a name for himself directing.
The original tale follows a poor woodcutter who discovers the treasure in a band of thieves’ secret den by saying “Open Sesame.” The adventure follows after the clan finds that their treasure has been uncovered and begin a pursuit of Baba.
Following the success of Disney and Joe Roth’s retellings of children stories like “Alice in Wonderland” and “Maleficent,” Fox hopes for similar returns with this reimagining.
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Levy is in post on “Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb,” but is also beginning to see actors for the part.
Levy most recently directed “This Is Where I Leave You” for Fox and has “Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb” opening this December. Levy and Rothwell are both repped by WME.
