Sony Pictures' big-screen adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling novel "Eat Pray Love" doesn't open until August 13, but the studio has wasted no time in ordering a reunion between star Julia Roberts and director Ryan Murphy.
According to Deadline, Sony will reportedly pay Murphy $2.5 million to write an untitled star vehicle for Roberts, and another $2.5 million to direct it.
Roberts will play a working woman who is married to a stay-at-home husband. When she loses her job, their roles are reversed and she's forced to finally adjust to motherhood.
Plan B's Brad Pitt and Dede Gardner will produce with Murphy. The Plan B duo also produced "Eat Pray Love," which Sony picked up after Paramount put the project in turnaround.
The re-teaming of Roberts and Murphy and the latter's lucrative deal are a clear signal that Sony is pleased with "Eat Pray Love," and has confidence in the pair's collaborative chemistry.
Murphy is currently working on his Fox series "Glee" but will begin writing the project soon in hopes of putting it into production next year, when his TV contract provides him an "out" that allows him to direct a movie.
Murphy was recently linked to the director's chair of Universal's adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Wicked," and judging from his competition, the "Glee" creator would be the best fit for the project. Other potential directors are said to include J.J. Abrams, Rob Marshall and James Mangold.
CAA represents Roberts and Murphy.
