We here at Geeks of Doom are big fans of the wave of hybrid novels, taking classic stories or historical figures and adding horrific elements such as zombies, monsters, aliens, and vampires, to name a few.

This crazy idea started with author Seth Grahame-Smith‘s alteration of the classic Jane Austen work, Pride and Prejudice, which was called Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Many different types have followed like Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and a lot of them even have movie projects in the works.

Being the lead horse it is, a movie adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies looked to be well on the way, and last December we found out that actress Natalie Portman would be producing the movie through her Handsomecharlie Films banner, and that she would also be starring in the role of Elizabeth Bennett…though sadly not all good things last.

Unfortunately, some major scheduling complications have recently cursed the Victorian zombie production. It started with the announcement that director David O. Russell would be stepping away from the movie due to schedule issues with Miss Portman, and now word has come that Portman herself will no longer be able to star. The actress will, however, remain as a producer.

Now it’s unclear what the status of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is. With Portman’s production company staying attached it’s assumed the movie is still a go, but who knows if it’s on a major delay now or if steps are already being taken to find a replacement actress and director.

Portman was a pretty exciting name to hear associated with this role, but who are some actresses and directors you’d like to see join this movie?

[Source: EW, Vulture]