Though he hasn’t written the script yet, he has spoken with Michael Keaton (which essentially equals a go picture in Hollywood… twenty years ago). Believe it or not, Keaton is really excited for the project.

“I met with Michael last week,” says Seth, “and his excitement level is huge. We talked for a couple of hours about big-picture stuff. He’s been wanting to do it for twenty years and he’ll talk to anybody about it who will listen!”

Translation: Seriously. He has my home number. I’m scared.

Though we won’t get the famously scrapped sequel, Beetlejuice Goes Hawaiian, we shouldn’t worry about the level of quality you expect from a Michael Keaton picture diminishing.

“It’s a priority for Warners and it’s a priority for Tim.” But he’s keen to emphasise that he doesn’t want to taint the first movie. “I have a huge reverence for Tim and a huge reverence for that film in general,” he promises. “I don’t think we should do it if we shit on the legacy. Michael agrees. So, right now, it remains to be seen. I have a couple of story ideas, but we’re very early out.”

Thank goodness. We don’t need a repeat of White Noise 2. (Shock Til You Drop)

The studio has signed a two-year, first-look deal with writing duo Seth Grahame-Smith and David Katzenberg, who are behind both Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Burton’s upcoming Dark Tower. The duo have penned a script that is believed to be a continuation, rather than a reboot, of the original Beetlejuice.

For those who are too young to have seen the original firsthand, Beetlejuice is a dark comedy about ghosts who are trying to scare the new occupants out of their old home. The film definitely runs quirky and Burton-esque, so without his involvement, this project could find itself woefully misguided. The same could be said for Keaton, so it will be interesting to see what path the studio takes.

Further, it could be funny seeing Keaton throw out his back performing wacky antics.

Seriously, though, I wish the guy nothing but the best. He’s Mr. Mom, after all.

8 photosBrains vs. Booty: ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Zombie Art

Richard Kelly (Donnie Darko), Sean McKittrick, Ted Hamm and Natalie Portman are producing. (TheWrap)

The Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter scribe just sold a spec screenplay to Fox called From Mia With Love. Mia is the story of three virgin guys who order a Russian bride, in order to lose their v-cards. If they’ve got Russian bride money, why not take a hilarious, mishap-filled road trip to Reno? Well, of course, the hot lady will not sleep with them, but instead of stealing their money and quickly fleeing, she helps them become “more suitable mating material.” Eh, my disbelief can be suspended at least until the first trailer’s released.

This John Hughes-inspired comedy was co-written by David Katzenberg, Kevin Chesley and Bryan Shukoff. Katzenberg is set to direct. (Deadline)

However, Gillespie seems to have eaten his way back to the top of the list. The rumor is that Lionsgate has told all the other potential directors “thanks, but really no thanks,” and that Gillespie will soon be signed. Jane Austen but with zombies, here he comes? We’ll soon find out. (Deadline)

Director Tim Burton is in talks with actor Michael Sheen (Twilight: New Moon, Tron: Legacy) to join the Dark Shadows ensemble. The adaptation of the 60s British TV series stars Johnny Depp (as required by Burton Law), Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter. Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) wrote the script, which makes sense. Werewolves, ghosts, vampires and time-travel all play a part in the Dark Shadows universe, so Grahame-Smith didn’t even have to mash those elements into it. It’s like the mashing up was done for him.

The story centers around a vampire, Barnabas Collins, who searches for Josette, his lost love. No word yet on who Sheen would play. The film is expected to open in 2012. (The Playlist)

Speaking of Burton, Grahame-Smith is writing Dark Shadows for him. Also, his other book, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, is being made into a film by Timur Bekmambetov, so if he’s chosen to direct Zombies he’ll be one busy bee. Nothing is certain though since Lionsgate is still considering other candidates. I’m sure if you stop one of execs on the street with your reel they’d be more than happy to take a look. (THR)

The actor-turned-rapper-turned-actor-once-again is the lead choice to play Honest Abe’s mentor in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, an adaptation of Seth Grahame-Smith‘s goofvel (a novel that’s just a big ol’ goof). His first bit of advice for the President? Quit being President to start a career as a vampire hunter, then tell everyone it was just a weird joke.

Lincoln is set to be played by actor-elect Benjamin Walker and Tim Burton will produce. (Deadline)

The story might be about Abraham Lincol fighting vampires, but it was lesser known actor Walker (Flags of Our Fathers) who fought a bunch of high-profile, blood-sucking (okay, maybe not blood-sucking) celebrities to snag the role. Josh Lucas, Adrien Brody, and Timothy Olyphant were all in the running, but it’ll be Walker’s face on this universe’s Mt. Rushmore, along with George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt and Dracula, Prince of Darkness.

20th Century Fox has scheduled the film for a June 22, 2012 release. (Collider)

^{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)

Normally I don’t put too much stock in books that lack tabs to pull and pop-ups to giggle at, but if Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is half as good as the trailer for it than I may have to give this "reading" thing a shot. The author of the historical horror novel, Seth Grahame-Smith (sounds like a Count), also wrote the New York Time’s Bestselling Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. I have a copy sitting under a pile of Highlights magazines.

If only there was a way to condense the entire novel of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter into visual form… An "adaptation" if you will. Spielberg could direct and Liam Neeson could star. That one’s for free, Hollywood. Send my fee directly to some organization that teaches kids to read. No one should have to grow up and blog for a living.

Read the trailer with your eyes after the jump.

(SciFiWire)