HARVEY Announced As Spielberg's Next Project; Filming To Begin In Early 2010

Steven Spielberg recently announced his intentions to direct a remake of James Stewart's classic film, Harvey. The new adaptation will be a modern take on Stewart's original film. Jonathan Tropper is set to write the screenplay for the 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks co-production. This is the first screenplay for the bestselling novelist.

Harvey chronicles how the friendship formed between Elwood P. Dowd and Harvey, a six and one-half foot tall rabbit affects Dowd's community.

Mary Chase's play, on which the film is based, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1944 and was previously adapted by Universal in 1950. The original film starred Jimmy Stewart and Josephine Hull.

Spielberg will pair with Don Gregory to produce the film that Elizabeth Gabler and Carla Hacken will oversee.

Casting for the film is currently in progress. Filming is expected to start in early 2010.

Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.