Back in June 2008, BioShock publisher Take-Two Interactive announced that the dystopian shooter was to undergo a big-screen adaptation, with Pirates of the Carribean director Gore Verbinski at the helm. Since then, the project has suffered several setbacks, with Universal Pictures placing the film on hold due to a ballooning £160 million budget. Even director Gore Verbinski had second thoughts, though he turned down a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie to direct BioShock.

　　Now, Variety reports that Verbinski has stepped down from the director's chair altogether, with Universal in talks with 28 Weeks Later director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo to replace him. The film trade notes that Fresnadillo's appointment hinges upon Take-Two's approval, which has final say over director approval.

　　According to Variety, Verbinski is said to have turned down the project after Universal made plans to move much of the filming abroad, conflicting with the director's schedule. The report notes that Verbinski will remain the film's producer through his production company, Blind Wink.

　　Juan Carlos Fresnadillo is best known for helming postapocalyptic horror film 28 Weeks Later, though this is the only major movie the director has on his CV.