After weeks of uncertainty following the departure of David O. Russell, Deadline has reported that Lionsgate has closed a deal with Mike White to direct Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

White will take over on this horror-comic reimagining of the Jane Austin classic from the famously volatile director, who had the likes of Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Bradley Cooper on his casting wish list before leaving the project.

Whether any of these names will make it through to White’s version is yet to be seen, although Portman is still onboard as one of the producers.

White is an interesting choice and although he’s only directed one feature so far (Year of the Dog) his comedy credentials are impeccable. He was Supervising Producer on Freaks and Geeks (as well as writing a number of episodes) and wrote The Good Girl, School of Rock and the underrated Nacho Libre (which he also co-produced).