Following earlier reports that blockbuster director Michael Bay (Transformers, Bad Boys) would be directing the upcoming Prince of Persia film, Variety today reports that veteran British director Mike Newell is in talks to take on the project. His credits include Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Four Weddings and Funeral.

Unfortunately, the project may not begin anytime soon, thanks to the Hollywood writers’ strike that has caused several TV shows to close shutters; it has also delayed Roger Avary’s Return to Castle Wolfenstein film.