Martin Scorsese out, Todd Phillips in to direct 'The Gambler' remake

We've yet to see Todd Phillips step outside of his comedy comfort zone. After a couple of early documentaries most never saw, he made a splash with the Tom Green comedy, Road Trip, and has been following that same course ever since. Of course we know him best as the guy behind The Hangover flicks, with the final leg of the trilogy set to hit theaters next year. But after that's done, it looks like Phillips will be getting serious as THR reports he's in talks to direct a remake of The Gambler.

You might recall that about a year ago Martin Scorsese was in line to direct the film, with his buddy Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role. Scorsese's obviously now out, and likely DiCaprio with him. Maybe Phillips will turn to one of his crop of frequent collaborators, instead? Perhaps Robert Downey Jr, who he worked with on Due Date? I'm betting Phillips makes a play for Bradley Cooper, as it definitely fits the more challenging films he's been undertaking as of late.

The 1974 film starred James Caan as an NYC English professor who named Axel Freed who has a gambling addiction he tries to keep secret. As his problem worsens, he gets further in debt to some dangerous men, and as a last resort is forced to get one of his students to shave points in a game. William Monahan(The Departed) is writing the remake script, with Irwin Winkler, who produced the original, back in the same gig.

This move came out of nowhere, and obviously the pairing of Scorsese and DiCaprio is pure gold. But I'd be lying if the idea of Phillips venturing into such uncharted waters wasn't appealing. The Hangover Part III begins filming next month, and then The Gambler should be next on his plate.