Seth Grahame-Smith's Unholy Night Bought By Warner Bros.

Seth Grahame-Smith's next novel Unholy Night hasn't even been released yet but it's getting interest from one studio. Deadline reports that Warner Bros. has nabbed the film rights for Seth's next novel for a whopping $2 million. Seth along with writing partner David Kratzenberg will also write the movie's script. This isn't surprising since his two other books Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Pride And Predjudice And Zombies have also been turned into movies. Grahame-Smith has previously worked with the studio writing Tim Burton's Dark Shadows and the sequel to Beetlejuice.

In Grahame-Smith’s telling, the so-called “Three Wise Men” are infamous thieves, led by the dark, murderous Balthazar. After a daring escape from Herod’s prison, they stumble upon the famous manger and its newborn king. The last thing Balthazar needs is to be slowed down by young Joseph, Mary and their infant. But when Herod’s men begin to slaughter the first born in Judea, he has no choice but to help them escape to Egypt.

Warner Bros. Developing Beetlejuice Sequel?

Deadline reports that Warner Bros. is gearing up for a sequel/reboot of Tim Burton's cult classic ghoul comedy Beetlejuice. Seth Grahame-Smith's company Katzsmith is in a development deal with the studio and a script for Beetlejuice 2 is expected to be one of the projects included. Seth Gramhame-Smith is better known as the author of Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter and Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. Seth has made the jump to screenwriter for Tim Burton's Dark Shadows (WB) and Timur Bekmambetov's Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter (Fox).

While Deadline says it's more of "a sequel advancing the story from the original", they don't say if Burton or Michael Keaton would return. I'd love to see a sequel since the world of Beetlejuice didn't really get explored until the campy 90's kids cartoon. Personally I'd want the film to be entirely set in the netherworld since it was one of the most interesting live-action creations from Burton. Tim has been lining up potential projects recently so it's unknown if he'd actually end up directing anytime soon. Keaton on the other hand could jump right in considering the amount of makeup it takes to turn him into Beetlejuice a bit of aging wouldn't hinder the performance a bit.

Rufus Sewell Joins Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

TheWrap reports that Rufus Sewell (Dark City) has joined Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He will play Adam the leader of the vampires Abe has to fight.

Chloe Moretz Joins Tim Burton's Dark Shadows

Yet another impressive addition to Tim Burton's Dark Shadows which stars Johnny Depp. Deadline reports Chloe Moretz (Hugo Cabret) has joined the film based on the horror soap opera. Chloe is becoming known for taking roles beyond her years as she was previously seen in Kick-Ass and Let Me In. She will play the daughter of Michelle Pfeiffer's character. As the cast grows the more I have to Burton another chance. Even if I feel his last couple of films have been phoned in.

Michael Sheen Could Join Dark Shadows

ThePlaylist has learned that Michael Sheen is interested in taking a role in Tim Burton's Dark Shadows. The film based on the classic horror soap opera already boats a cast that includes Johnny Depp, Jackie Earle Haley, Eva Green, Bella Heathcote, Michelle Pfeiffer and Helena Bonham Carter. 

Alan Tudyk & Robin McLeavy Join Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Alan Tudyk and Robin McLeavy have joined Timur Bekmambetov's (Wanted) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Robin had previously been linked to the role of Mary Todd which is being portrayed by Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Benjamin Walker, Anthony Mackie, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jimmi Simpson had previously been cast in the film.

Trent Reznor Scoring & Acting In Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

It looks like Oscar-winning composer/musician Trent Reznor isn't slowing down his composing duties. He recently re-teamed with David Fincher to score The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and now has another project looking for his eerie sound. BadassDigest reports that Reznor has been hired to score Timur Bekmambetov's (Wanted) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. He'll also play the vampire that kills Abe's mother setting the story into motion.

Jimmi Simpson Joins Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

Variety reports that Jimmi Simpson has joined Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter in an unnamed role. Simpson might be best known for his work on It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia and villainous role in Date Night. I expect Jimmi could be playing one of the evil vampires Abe has to slay. Ben Walker, Anthony Mackie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Dominic Cooper have been previously cast in the film directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted).

Ben Walker Cast As Lead In Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

HeatVision reports theater actor Ben Walker has been cast as a young Abe in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Walker had been previously in the running for the role of Hank McCoy (Beast) in Matthew Vaughn's X-Men First Class.

Based on the novel by Seth Grahme-Smith (Pride & Prejudice & Zombies) fictionalizes the President as a vampire hunter. President Lincoln's mother is killed by a supernatural creature, which fuels his passion to crush vampires and their slave-owning helpers. It will be directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) and is being produced by Tim Burton with a release date set for June 22nd 2012. 

Mike White Not Directing Pride & Prejudice & Zombies

Deadline reports that Mike White has dropped out as director for Pride & Prejudice & Zombies. This is the second director who left the production. This time it's a contract conflict as White is obligated to work for HBO during Lionsgate's production timetable for the film.

The casting could also be in jeopardy as Anne Hathaway had been in talks along with James McAvoy to star in the movie. Anne is now starring in The Dark Knight Rises and might not be able to commit. Previously David O'Russell (The Fighter, Three Kings) was expected to direct Scarlett Johansson and Bradley Cooper in it before they all dropped out. Natalie Portman who was originally set to star is still producing.

Adrien Brody In The Running For Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter?

Deadline reports that Adrien Brody (Pianist, King Kong) along with a few others are testing for the lead in 20th Century Fox's adaptation of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

Based on the novel by Seth Grahme-Smith (Pride & Prejudice & Zombies) fictionalizes the President as a vampire hunter. President Lincoln's mother is killed by a supernatural creature, which fuels his passion to crush vampires and their slave-owning helpers. It will be directed by Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) and is being produced by Tim Burton with a release date set for June 22nd 2012. Previously names like Tom Hardy (Inception, Dark Knight Rises) and Eric Bana (Hanna, Star Trek) had been linked to be in talks for key roles.

Depp & Burton Start Shooting Dark Shadows In April

HeatVision reports Dark Shadows will be Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's next film. The movie which is setup at Warner Bros is based on the cult soap opera which it's screenplay is written by John August (Big Fish) and Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride, Prejudice & Zombies, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter). Depp will portray Barnabas Collins, a vampire living in a Maine manor who is searching for his lost love. Johnny had been linked to roles in Triple Frontier/Sleeping Dogs and Snow White & Huntsman but it doesn't look he'll be doing those projects.