Tim Burton will direct the upcoming Weinstein Company drama "Big Eyes."
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the news and stated that Burton would direct the film based on the relationship between Walter and Margaret Keane. The drama scripted by Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander centers on a decades-long dispute between the two after their 1965 divorce over who actually painted the pictures. Walter Keane compared himself to lofty painters such as Rembrandt, slighting Margaret who then asked for a "paint off." A years-long court battle ensued with a judge finally ordering the two to paint in court. Walter lost and had to pay millions, although he continued to say he was the originator.
Two time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz and nominee Amy Adams are currently in negotiations to play the couple.
"Big Eyes" will reteam Burton with Alexander who wrote "Ed Wood." The film was originally slated to be directed by Karaszewsi and Alexander with Burton producing and was supposed to star Ryan Reynolds and Reese Witherspoon. However, financing and scheduling did not work out.
Burton last directed the Academy Award nominee "Frankenweenie" and the Johnny Depp starrer "Dark Shadows." He also helmed Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" and "Sweeny Todd."
Waltz last won an Academy Award for his turn in "Django Unchained." He also appeared in "Carnage" and "The Three Musketeers." He will next be seen in "Epic" and Terry Gilliam's "The Zero Theorem." Adams received her fourth Oscar nomination for her turn in "The Master." She will next be seen in "Man if Steel" and is currently shooting the untitled David O. Russell film which has emerged as an Oscar contender for 2013.
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