Quick Update: Getting clarification that the title of the film is currently set at DARK UNIVERSE, not JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK as it's been commonly referenced. We'll see if that title sticks, but for now, that's the working title. I've amended the title to reflect that in the original article below.

Things are heating up for DARK UNIVERSE, as casting rumors have been swirling around the past week and now we have word on who the studio is eyeing to direct the supernatural superhero tale. We're told that BIG BAD WOLVES directing duo Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado, as well as EVIL DEAD remake director Fede Alvarez are the top contenders to take the gig right now. Both sets of filmmakers have a strong grasp of the dark and macabre genre and would easily fill the shoes of Guillermo Del Toro, who left the film after turning in his screenplay and toiling with the studio over casting and scheduling. However, Del Toro's script is said to be excellent and one of the main reasons that the studio is pushing to get JLD underway with a shooting start in early 2016.

Neither Keshales or Pepushado have a project on the books (their last effort was a contribution to the anthology horror flick THE ABC'S OF DEATH 2) and Alvarez is in post production for his latest effort, A MAN IN THE DARK, so both sets of filmmakers have a window (if not a clear open path) to jump into DARK UNIVERSE if so inclined (and officially offered the gig).

As previously reported by both Heroic Hollywood and Latino Review, names being tossed around for casting include Colin Farrell as Constantine, Ron Perlman for Swamp Thing, Ben Mendelsohn as Anton Arcane, Ewan McGregor for Jason Blood/The Demon, and Monica Belluci is being eyed for Madame Xanadu. We can also corroborate that they're looking for a comedic actor to take on the role of Deadman, as well as an unknown up-and-comer for the role of Zatanna.

Obviously, this is still in development, but with that early start date looming, expect to see a cast and director (or directors) solidify VERY quickly.

What do you think? Who would YOU like to see direct DARK UNIVERSE?