Verhoeven's second erotic turn

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September 9, 2008


Paul Verhoeven is eyeing a return to the world of erotic thrillers.

The "Basic Instinct" helmer is in talks to direct the untitled Wendy Miller thriller for Relativity Media.

Story centers on a college intern who finds himself trapped in a dangerous affair with the boss’s wife. Project is described as "Risky Business" meets "Fatal Attraction."

Michael De Luca is producing via his Sony-based De Luca Prods. banner. Relativity’s Ryan Kavanaugh and Tucker Tooley are also producing; De Luca Prods.’ Alissa Phillips exec produces. Luber/Roklin Entertainment’s Stephen Crawford, who developed the project with tyro scribe Miller, also will exec produce alongside colleague Matt Luber.

Relativity, which picked up the script in May, has fast-tracked the project and is eyeing a first-quarter 2009 start date. Miller is penning a rewrite under Verhoeven’s direction.

De Luca most recently teamed with Relativity on the upcoming Jim Sheridan-helmed drama "Brothers," which stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire.

Dutch-born Verhoeven most recently directed the 2006 WWII espionage thriller "Black Book." He is attached to a dozen or so projects, including a "Thomas Crown Affair" sequel for MGM, with Pierce Brosnan attached to star.