The long-gestating Bob the Musical is reportedly back on track at Walt Disney Pictures with new talent on board.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Michel Hazanavicius, who helmed the Oscar-winning 2011 film The Artist, is attached to direct with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon (Spider-Man 2, John Carter) in talks to write the script.
In addition, Bret McKenzie (“Flight of the Conchords”), who won an Oscar for The Muppets, is being brought on board to write the songs for the musical comedy. McKenzie won the Oscar for writing the song “Man or Muppet.”
The trade adds that Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation star Tom Cruise is circling the lead role, “a regular guy who, after a blow to the head, suddenly can hear the inner songs of everyone’s heart as his reality is instantly turned into a musical, much to his dismay.” Cruise has been eyeing the role since earlier this year.
Tripp Vinson, Chris Bender, JC Spink, and Beau Flynn are producing the film for Disney. The movie has been in development since 2004.
