The Jungle Book

Seems Ron Howard won’t be directing Warner Bros’ version (there’s a Disney version in the works as well – which Jon Favreau is directing) of “The Jungle Book” after all. Andy Serkis, best-known as the go-to mo-cap performer on films like “Lord of the Rings” and “King Kong”, has been hired to direct. Serkis, who is also attached to direct a motion-capture version of “Animal Farm”, next appears (well, not really – he’s hiding behind a CGI Chimp) in “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”. Warner’s “The Jungle Book” is currently undated; Disney’s version is scheduled for October 9, 2015. (THR)

Ghostbusters III

With Ivan Reitman now opting not to direct (only produce), Sony are on the lookout for a new director – or two – to helm their long-gestating sequel. Latest rumor has “LEGO Movie” and “21 Jump Street” directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller circling the job. Former Deadline head-honcho Nikki Finke tweeted today “Hot duo to direct #Ghostbusters3? My sources say Phil Lord & Chris Miller (‘Lego Movie’, ’21 Jump St’) in talks to replace Ivan Reitman.” That could really work!

Jem and the Holograms

Jon M.Chu (“G.I Joe : Retaliation”) will direct a feature based on the ’80s toyline and cartoon series. Jason Blum is producing. Ryan Landels wrote the script. Here’s the YouTube video that encompassed the announcement :