This is a writer and directing pairing I never thought I see coming, but it’s an exciting pairing nonetheless. Deadline has reported that Dustin Lance Black (Milk and J. Edgar) will be writing the script for the J.J. Abrams-directed and Bryan Burk-produced disaster flick Earthquake. Yes, another earthquake-themed film, but the idea that Black is on board to pen the script could tell us where Abrams wants to take Earthquake.

Black isn’t well known for writing for action films. He is, however, a great writer for character-driven plots. His award-winning script for Milk is just one shining example.

That being said, this Earthquake will not be a remake of the 1970s Earthquake starring Charlton Heston. It will, however, have to find a way to differentiate itself from the other ground-shaking films being set up by Eli Roth (Aftershock) and Brad Bird (San Andreas 3D). So bringing Black to the team may help Earthquake stand out from the other two earth-shaking films.

According to the site, David Seltzer (The Omen) had written a draft for the film, but for some reason Universal had to stall the project. Now that Black is on board, the film is back on track. It’s not known if Black will be polishing Seltzer’s draft or if he will write a script of his own.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated should any new developments come along.

[Source: Deadline]