DirectorBryan Singeris currently in post-production onX-Men: Apocalypse, which is set for release on July 06, 2025, but the director seemingly found the time to put the finishing touches on his next project at the same time. The filmmaker celebrates his 50th birthday today, and to commemorate the occasion, he posted a newInstagramphoto that reveals his next movie is an adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic story20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Here’s whatBryan Singerhad to say in the caption of hisInstagramphoto, which reveals the title page for his latest script.
“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 theX-Menuniverse. Very excited about X-Men: Apocalypse and beyond. #julesverne #20000leaguesunderthesea #nemo”
20,000 Leagues Under the Seawas originally published as a number of serialized stories between 1869 and 1870, with a deluxe illustrated edition debuting in 1971. The plot centers on Captain Nemo and the crew of his submarine, the Nautilus, as they embark on several undersea adventures. There have been a number ofadaptationsover the years, including film adaptations in 1916 and perhaps the best known version of 20000 Leagues Under the Sea in 1954, which starredKirk Douglasand Peter Lorre.
Disney has been developing their own version of this classic story, with their adaptation entitled20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Captain Nemo.David Fincherwas attached to direct for some time, but he ended up bowing out in favor of makingGone Girl. We reported last August that Disney was planning on startingprincipal photographysometime this year, but we haven’t heard anything about that project since then. It is believed, but not confirmed, that this version of 20000 Leagues Under the Sea is being set up at 20th Century Fox.
No details have been given forBryan Singer’s version of20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and it isn’t known when he may start production. The director doesn’t officially have any other projects in the works, but there have been rumors that he is developing acrossoverbetween theX-MenandFantastic Four. While we wait for more details on20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, check out the script cover photo, which reveals thatBryan Singerworked on the script withRick Sordeletand Dan Studney (Jack the Giant Slayer).
