Roman Polanski Steps Down From Up Pompeii

It has been revealed today that director Roman Polanski has pulled out of the big-budget disaster movie Up Pompeii. The movie is about the fate of the Italian town which was flattened by an erupting Mount Vesuvius.

It’s reported that Polanski pulled out of the movie after it’s backers, Summit International, admitted it may have to postpone production because of the rumoured industry strike next year.

The looming strike has forced a number of late 2008/2009 projects to rush to the starting line to get the film in the can before the strike, but Pompeii could possibly be the first big movie that could be pushed back until the strike is over. Polanski’s schedule won’t permit him to give Pompeii the time it needs at the time the strike is over.

Talking about his stepping-down, Polanski said, “I put a lot of work and energy into the development of Pompeii, so it is not without regret that I have to decline my further involvement,”

The movie’s producers, Robert Benmussa and Alain Sarde are now on the lookout for a new director for the project, which combines the countdown to the eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii with a plot following a young engineer caught up in political intrigue in the town.

CLICK HERE to keep updated with the latest news, share a comment or problems with products and services. Follow us on twitter or read more news.