Ben Stiller in talks to replace Spielberg on Chicago 7

Explain this one to us: Ben Stiller may fill in for Steven Spielberg as director of The Trial of the Chicago 7.

Spielberg had originally planned to get the film in theaters before the end of this year as part of one of his classic two-punch packages (think 2005’s Munich and War of the Worlds, or 1993’s Schindler’s List and Jurassic Park). But that was derailed by the writers’ strike, and he has since moved on to other projects. Paul Greengrass, director of United 93 and the Bourne Identity sequels, was long believed to be his replacement.

Now The Hollywood Reporter suggests that Stiller is in contention for the spot as director. He's directed a handful of films before—this summer’s mad comedy Tropic Thunder among them—but he’s never taken on a project of such expected seriousness and esteem. The closest he's come to similar work as a director was on Reality Bites, a ’90s hipster dramedy about post-collegiate life in Houston.

Chicago 7, penned by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), will focus on the riots at the 1968 Democratic convention and the titular aftermath. A host of big names have hovered around the project, including Will Smith, Kevin Spacey and Sacha Baron Cohen.

No confirmations just yet, but the movie is reportedly on the fast track at DreamWorks, so an announcement should come soon.

Related links:
News: Paul Greengrass taking over for Spielberg on Chicago 7
News: Steven Spielberg casts Sacha Baron Cohen in Chicago Seven
News: Aaron Sorkin signs deal with DreamWorks

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