Disney is still trying to recuperate from the massive financial loss of John Carter. Their live-action department has been less than stellar as of late, so it’s really no surprise that they are holding off on making yet another expensive live-action film. Or maybe they are waiting to see what happens with The Lone Ranger before they start production for the remake of 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.

The film, which will be directed by David Fincher, is currently being put on hold for now. Variety reports that during the three-month production pause, Andrew Kevin Walker will be making improvements to Steven Zallian‘s script.

So as Walker polishes the screenplay, it seems that Fincher has found the person he would like to see star in his movie. The director is reaching out to Brad Pitt to play “sailor and master harpooner” Ned Land, while the role of Captain Nemo would go to an “older A-list star.”

In any circumstance, the casting of two A-list stars might be enough for a tentpole like this one. But given the amount of money Disney poured into John Carter, and the returns they made on that film, they are trying to play things safe. However, new Disney chief Alan Horn reportedly wants to start focusing on the older properties that Disney used to own and tentpoles. A classic Disney film directed by someone who likes to make expensive films starring two A-listers would definitely fall into both categories.

[Source: Variety]