'Seven Pounds' Helmer Gabriele Muccino to Direct 'Laughter in the Dark'

Gabriele Muccino, who previously directed The Pursuit of Happyness and Seven Pounds, is in talks to direct Laughter in the Dark, an adaptation of Vladimir Nabokov's erotic thriller.

Bradley McManus and Justin Parker wrote the script, which centers on a wealthy art dealer and family man who falls in love with an aspiring actress who becomes his muse. When he leaves his wife and family for her, his life spins out of control.

Scott Steindorff and Dylan Russell of Stone Village Productions will produce with Sander Soeth of Intuit Films. Stone Village has partnered with investment firm Source Rock Partners to finance. 

Casting is underway, with plans for a mid-May shoot in New York.

Russian-American author Nabokov’s book was first published in 1932. It was previously adapted into a film in 1969 and starred Nicol Williamson and Anna Karina.

Muccino also directed 2012’s Playing for Keeps, starring Gerard Butler and 2015’s Fathers and Daughters, starring Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried. He’s on post on the film Summertime.He’s repped by Paradigm and Loeb & Loeb.