Bryan Singer to Produce Adaptation of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Bryan Singer, the man behind the latest installment in FOX’s X-Men franchise, X-Men: Apocalypse, has gotten the green light from 20th Century FOX to take us under the sea. 20,000 leagues, to be exact.

The film, which Singer has said was his favorite childhood novel, will begin production in the fall with casting beginning relatively soon. The big screen adaptation of Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was written by Rick Sordelet and Dan Studney. Singer and Jason Taylor (Jack the Giant Slayer) are set to produce the movie.

“Ever since I was a boy and first discovered the 1870 Jules Verne novel, I have dreamt of retelling this classic story,” Singer told Deadline.

The producer took to Instagram last year to announce the completion of the film’s script.

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It’s my 50th birthday (ouch), and I just put the finishing touches on the script for my next film. A story I’ve wanted to retell since childhood. I promise this will be an epic and emotional adventure for all ages! An adventure very dear to my heart.  Not abandoning the #xmen universe. Very excited about #xmenapocalypse and beyond. #julesverne #20000leaguesunderthesea #nemo

A photo posted by Bryan Singer (@bryanjaysinger) on Sep 17, 2015 at 10:14am PDT

Singer confirmed that his version would feature the story’s original and most famous characters, including Captain Nemo, Ned Land and Professor Aronnax. However, the director also revealed plans to expand on Verne’s universe with some new story elements.

“Without revealing too much, it contains not only the original characters of Captain Nemo, Ned Land and Professor Aronnax, but also some new and original characters and Sci Fi plot twists culminating in a timeless adventure for all ages,” Singer teased.