The latest adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic adventure novel, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea has finally found its captain. According to Deadline, Bryan Singer (X-Men: Apocalypse) will direct the film for 20th Century Fox with production to start in the fall.

Singer, who claims to have been a huge fan of the novel as a child, said he’s excited to make the film and gave some hints about the direction of his new vision of the classic story.

Ever since I was a boy and first discovered the 1870 Jules Verne novel, I have dreamt of retelling this classic story. Without revealing too much, it contains not only the original characters of Captain Nemo, Ned Land and Professor Aronnax, but also some new and original characters and Sci Fi plot twists culminating in a timeless adventure for all ages.

Singer’s line about “new and original characters and Sci Fi plot twists,” is a strong indication that Fox and Singer have every intention of turning this into a new franchise. It will be interesting what science fiction elements are incorporated in the film. The original novel and 1954 Disney film were purely adventure tales with most of the science fiction elements being futuristic marine technology.

Fox hasn’t made any casting announcements for the film at this time. We’ll be sure to have more on the project as it develops.