J Blakeson's kidnapping thriller "The Disappearance of Alice Creed" is one of the best movies I've seen this year, so it comes as no surprise to learn that the talented filmmaker is in negotiations to direct "Hell and Gone" for Warner Bros., according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Jonah Nolan ("The Dark Knight") wrote the script, which is described as a "Titanic"-like historical tragedy and love story set amidst the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Considered one of the biggest disasters in American history, the fire killed more than 300 people and destroyed a sizable portion of the city.
Ron Howard's "Backdraft" remains the gold standard for fire-themed movies, but "Hell and Gone" presents the first opportunity in a long time to knock that action classic from its perch.
"Hell and Gone" will be the first film Nolan has written that his brother, Christopher Nolan, hasn't been involved with. He recently finished writing the screenplay for "The Dark Knight Rises."
Courtenay Valenti will oversee the project for WB.
Blakeson recently wrote the sequel to Neil Marshall's "The Descent."
Nolan is represented by WME, while Blakeson is repped by CAA and David Higham Associates in the U.K.
