Robert Englund to direct Christopher Lee in The Vij

Robert Englund (known for his work as Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddie Kruger) has signed on to direct horror icon Christopher Lee in the gothic fantasy film The Vij.

US actor Robert Englund, known for his character Freddy Kruger in 'Nightmare on Elm Street', poses at the SITGES International Film Festival of Catalonia in the town of Sitges, outside Barcelona, Spain, 09 October 2007, where he will receive the 'Time machine' award for his proffesional trajectory. The festival, that is one of the world's most prestigious festivals of fantasy cinema, runs until 14 October. EPA/JAUME SELLARTVariety reports the film is based on the novel by Russian writer Nikolaj Gogol, and revolves around an evil genie who conditions the actions of a young priest, leading him to commit murder and fall in love with an old witch who is actually not what she seems.The film is being produced by Loris Curci for Rome-based horror studio ReDark in association with Canada’s Remstar and Spain’s Canonigo Films. It is set to start shooting in April in the Lazio region with assistance and incentives from the Rome/Lazio Film Commission. The film will be primarily shot in the uninhabited medieval village of Civita di Bagnoregio.Lee is attached to play a God-like character called The Father, and will be joined by Englund and Russian actress Olga Schuvalova – who will take on the role of Alina. The film is currently casting for other roles - including the wayward priest called Khoma, is still underway.