Variety reports that Newell met with Disney last week to discuss the project, which is said to have "tentpole potential," and that talks regarding his involvement with the film should begin soon. Bay was originally considered a shoe-in to direct given his relationship with producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Flashdance, Beverly Hills Cop, Young Doctors in Love).

Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner wrote the initial draft of the screenplay, which was then revised by The Day After Tomorrow writer Jeffrey Nachmanoff.

"Rather than do a straight beat-for-beat adaptation of the new videogame, we're taking some cool elements from the game and using them to craft a new story--much as 'Pirates' did with the theme park ride," said Mechner when the film was first announced.