Simon Crane Will Direct Hot wheels

Sometimes we wonder if directors pick projects based on toy lines just so they can get their hands on lots of fun things to play with (or, you know, for their kids.) But with veteran stunt co-ordinator and second unit director Simon Crane{ =nofollow}, we get the idea he’s chased Hot Wheels down because it’ll give him plenty of chances to indulge what he does best while also tackling a likely first gig as director.

The **Hot Wheels **project has had a troubled time motoring towards the screen, with numerous studios, writers and directors (including McG and John Gatins) trying to make it work, but ultimately putting the idea back in the toy chest.

Now Legendary has the rights, and with Iron Man writers Art Marcum and Matt Holloway apparently cracking the script – which is now getting a polish from** The Good German**'s Paul Attanasio – the cars could finally be headed our way with Crane overseeing everything this time. As for the story (because yes, apparently there is one besides “cars go fast vroom vroom smash”), it sees a washed-up state trooper discovering a dangerous military device and going up against a man who clashed with his father in the past.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Crane won the megaphone job over Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and will now get to work figuring out the film. He’s also attached to action movie **Echelon, which had interest from Jason Statham, but appears to have fallen into limbo.