Universal has acquired an untitled Michael Gilio script that the studio will develop as a potential directing vehicle for Gore Verbinski, reports Variety. Verbinski will produce with Scott Aversano, the former head of Nickelodeon and MTV Films.
The drama focuses on a retired rancher who responds to a phone solicitation swindle that wipes out his savings.
Verbinski is at work with “Pirates of the Caribbean” cohort Johnny Depp on Rango, the John Logan-scripted animated film that Paramount will release in March 2011.
