'Twilight's' Catherine Hardwicke ready for a 'Maximum Ride'

Catherine Hardwicke flashes the Nixon victory salute at the premiere of "Twilight." Happier times.

Credit: AP Photo/Matt Sayles

After launching the blockbuster franchise "Twilight," Catherine Hardwicke is discussing adapting and directing another yet young-adult fantasy series, "Maximum Ride" for Columbia Pictures.

James Patterson's five-volume series debuted in 2005 with "The Angel Experiment." It chronicled the adventures of six genetically altered teens that are half human/half bird.  Known as "The Flock," the youngsters escape the confines of their laboratory cages and are in turn hunted by "The Erasers," a pack of humans who happen to be half wolf.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Don Payne ("Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer") is the current screenwriter on the project and former Marvel Studios head Avi Arad is producing with his partner Steven Paul.

It's not surprising the one time production designer would be sought after for the project.  Hardwicke has had her biggest critical successes on films focusing on teens having previously helmed "Thirteen" and "Lords of Dogtown." Her only misstep, so far, was New Line's "The Nativity Story."

Hardwicke isn't directing the second "Twilight" feature, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," because of a dispute with that franchise's studio, Summit Entertainment.  Chris Weitz, most recently the man behind "The Golden Compass," came on board to guide the movie toward its Nov. 20 release date.  "The Orphanage's" Juan Antonio Bayona was recently announced as the director of the third installment, "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

No word on when Columbia hopes to get "Maximum Ride" into production.

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