Universal is fast-tracking the project, "Land of the Lost" for a March production start.
03/28/2007 - Will Ferrell - © David Gabber / Photorazzi
Variety reports that the decision to greenlight the Will Ferrell project surprised observers, who cited the mediocre box office of the $160 million comedy "Evan Almighty."
Studio sources tell Variety the budget of "Land of the Lost," described as an event comedy, was recalibrated from $125 million to $100 million in order to earn its start date.
Brad Silberling will direct the bigscreen adaptation of Sid & Marty Krofft's children's series of the same name.
Jimmy Miller is producing along with the Kroffts; Julie Wixson-Darmody and Daniel Lupi executive producers.
The greenlight from Universal removes Ferrell from availability for other pre-strike projects - such as "Himelfarb" for Warner Bros.
The comedian has been attached to "Land of the Lost" for several years. Miller reps Ferrell and the Kroffts, who have long tried to get a bigscreen adaptation of their show made.
Variety reports the adaptation by Chris Henchy and Dennis McNicholas revolves around a disgraced paleontologist, his assistant and a macho tour guide who find themselves in a strange world inhabited by dinosaurs, monkey people and reptilian Sleestaks.
Donna Langley spearheaded the effort to obtain rights from the Kroffts, who also produced and created smallscreen skeins such as "H.R. Pufnstuf," "Lidsville" and "Donny and Marie."
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