Director Kerry Conran (
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow) is closing in on a deal to direct the sci-fi adventure-action picture
A Princess of Mars, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Conran entered the picture after former "Princess" director Robert Rodriguez resigned earlier this year, making him ineligible to direct the Paramount tentpole.
Based on the first book in Edgar Rice Burroughs' 11-volume "John Carter of Mars" series, the property is being developed as a major franchise.