Robert Schwentke to direct R.I.P.D.

Universal Pictures has now found its to director for their adaptation of the Dark Horse comic R.I.P.D. (Rest In Peace Department), which stars Ryan Reynolds. McG (Terminator: Salvation) was originally in talks to direct the film, but had to drop out due to his commitment to another film. The studio has since been talking to Robet Schwentke (Red) for the job.

Now, Deadline Hollywood reports that Schwentke has taken the job, and will likely begin filming next summer.

R.I.P.D. is about “a law enforcement division staffed by dead guys.” Reynolds will play a cop who was recently killed, and is searching for his killer. Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi (Clash of the Titans) wrote the script. Schwentke was recently in talks to direct X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2, but dropped out for another project. The director still has other projects to direct before he tackles this film.