Sometimes, a movie just doesn’t happen. No matter how popular the source, no matter how fervent the studio, no matter how hopeful the stars, it can all fall apart in a matter of days.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies appears to be one such project.

Though it is reportedly one of the hottest things in town, it can’t hold onto a director. It lost David O. Russell,  though he left behind a “strong screenplay.”   Mike White picked up the slack, but Deadline Hollywood Daily reports he too has dropped out due to schedule conflicts.  He’s committed to his HBO series Enlightened, and Regency zombies just can’t compete with that.

Lionsgate is desperate to get the film back on track.   At this point, it feels a bit done and dead as the literary mashup trend spins itself into oblivion.  As I’ve said numerous times here, I wasn’t a fan of the book, but I do think it could be fun and fresh in the right hands.  It could be something other than a cash-in, especially if it has as good a script as everyone claims.

So, it’s time to get serious and gooey, and hire Neil Marshall.   He’s even game for the job, since Axelle Carolyn herself is championing him:

Yes. Make it happen. And cast Axelle as Jane Bennet, while you’re at it.