Looks like screenwriter John August (Corpse Bride, lots of Tim Burton stuff) will take a stab at adapting The Strange Adventures of H.P. Lovecraft, an Image Comics series by Mac Carter. More than a year ago, there were rumors that Ron Howard wanted a go at Cthulhu, but he’s now adapting Stephen King‘s Dark Tower, which will span 3 movies, 2 TV series, and probably a 18 comic books, 4 giant Playstation games and an iPhone app that contains 80 webisodes. So he’s busy for awhile.

No director or stars are attached; this is still in very early stages. Meanwhile, Necronomicon-ners can check out At the Mountains of Madness, which is based on a Lovecraft novel and will be directed by Guillermo Del Toro. It’s coming to theaters… not soon. That’s being filmed this summer, so expect a wait on that too. Damn it, I hate waiting. (Empire Online)

John August (Corpse Bride) wrote the most recent adaptation for Columbia Pictures, which is reportedly faithful to the original Garth Ennis comic. At one point, Sam Mendes was attached to direct, but he bailed for Bond. That’s what we know for sure, because the Caruso story is only a rumor. At this point, a Preacher adaptation has been “in the works” since 1998, and was at one time going to be an HBO mini-series directed by Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider). So… anybody awesome wanna direct this instead? (/Film)

"Kiss my ass, screenwriters."

Poor Jessica Alba wa taken out of context, and I’m not just talking about this article’s headline.

The actress is trying to set the record straight after Elle Magazine quoted her as saying, “Good actors never use the script unless it’s amazing writing,” and “All the good actors I’ve worked with, they all say whatever they want to say.”

Ironically enough, this ruffled the feathers of John August, the screenwriter behind Charlie’s Angels. Did that film even have dialogue?

At any rate, after August criticized her comments on his blog, Alba tried to set things right with a bit of ridiculous overcompensation: “Just so it’s clear, films don’t even get made and nothing ever gets a green light unless there’s great material.”

Say what? We live in a world where someone green lit a Nazi-themed version of The Nutcracker. At least her original comments made sense, considering she starred in The Love Guru and The Fantastic Four. I’m sure no one stuck with the script on those films, mainly because half of the actors involved couldn’t read. (Cinema Blend)

^{Depp and Burton are the next Sad Keanus.}

The days of nobod knowing what the hell Tim Burton is directing next have come to an end. Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp (and probably Helena Bonham Carter) will be inked in next to sketches of mawkish bats in the director’s day planner. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter author Seth Grahame-Smith is taking over scripting duties from long-time Burton collaborater John August, to adapt the spooky 1960′s soap opera. Filming begins in February with Johnny Depp playing the vampire Barnabas Collins. We’ll keep you updated on which goofy wig he’ll end up in this time. (Deadline)

^{Depp and Burton are the next Sad Keanus.}

The days of nobod knowing what the hell Tim Burton is directing next have come to an end. Dark Shadows starring Johnny Depp (and probably Helena Bonham Carter) will be inked in next to sketches of mawkish bats in the director’s day planner. Seth Grahame-Smith is taking over scripting duties from long-time Burton collaborater John August, to adapt the spooky 1960′s soap opera. Filming begins in February with Johnny Depp playing the vampire Barnabas Collins. We’ll keep you updated on which goofy wig he’ll end up in this time. (Deadline)

Both Tim Burton and John August are in negotiations to work on the film adaptation of Monsterpocalypse. The film is based on a strategy board game created by Matt Wilson in which Japanese movie monsters do battle.

If the negotiations are successful, this would mark the fourth time the director/screenwriting team has collaborated. Previously, the pair worked together on Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Corpse Bride.

I haven’t been this excited for a repeat collaboration since I heard that Bruce Willis was re-teaming with Matthew Perry on The Whole 10 Yards. Maybe it was the brain tumor talking, but that movie was funny as hell!  Don’t worry. I’m in remission.

Hey, did I ever tell you about the time I was diagnosed with a brain tumor? It was right about the time The Whole 10 Yards came out. Great movie.

What, they’re making a movie adaptation of Monsterpocalypse!  Awesome! (Dread Central)