In development since at least 2004, tuneful comedy Bob: The Musical has become one of the toughest nuts to crack for Disney. Now the Mouse House is hoping a combination of **The Artist’**s director Michel Hazanavicius, Oscar-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie and novelist-turned-script man Michael Chabon can finally lure Tom Cruise to star{
Hazanavicius and McKenzie are officially aboard, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and Chabon is in talks, likely hashing out the specifics of his script deal. Cruise is interested in the lead role, but is likely waiting to see what the current combo comes up with.
Bob follows what happens when an ordinary bloke suffers a head injury. Instead of massive damage, he starts to hear the inner songs just bursting to get out of the hearts of those around him. He’s not exactly pleased with this newfound ability, however, as it turns the world into a musical around him, against his will.
Since it was first announced, the script has been through several combinations of writers and directors, with Mike Bender penning a take for Adam Shankman and Babaloo Mandel and Lowell Ganz working up something for Mean Girls director Mark Waters. Hairspray/Team America music man Marc Shaiman was attached for ages to write the score and songs, but was then succeeded by Frozen** Oscar-winners Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. And, as recently as 2010, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller were interested in bringing their magic touch to the project, but dropped it alongside many of their other potential films when the chance to tackle the Star Wars Anthology about a young Han Solo came their way…