MGM has acquired and green lit Joss Whedon's The Cabin In The Woods, which he co-wrote with Drew Goddard, who will make his directorial debut with the film.
The project is the studio's first movie to get the green light from Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM, who is aggressively rebuilding MGM's theatrical production and marketing divisions.
Joss Whedon will produce. He said: "This couldn't have turned out better for me. I'm goofy with the love for this script, and with Drew at the helm and Mary at the... other part of the helm... it'll be great.
"Mary has been a terrific collaborator and mentor, and for her to respond so passionately - and decisively - to our project means a great deal.
"The new MGM is the perfect place for Drew to do the kind of work I know he can do except for when I'm subtly sabotaging him because I'm jealous of his talent and height."
Parent aded: "We couldn't be more excited to green light our first film with Joss and Drew and for Drew to be making his directorial debut at MGM.
"Not surprisingly, Cabin is one of the most original and clever scripts I've ever read. It's a visceral thrill ride and I'll leave it at that."
Goddard said: "Honestly, this is a dream come true for me. I get to work with Mary and everyone at MGM, who have shown us nothing but love and support from page one.
"And I get to keep working with Joss, which is nice 'cause he's the best writer I've ever met and as a producer he gets discounts at local ethnic eateries around town."
Goddard, who is under an overall deal at ABC Television Studios and who has served as writer/producer on the JJ Abrams Lost series for the past two seasons, recently wrote the original screenplay for Cloverfield.
Goddard and Whedon first teamed on Buffy The Vampire Slayer and also worked together on Angel.
