David Green to Direct 'Lore'; Ben Wheatley Scales 'High-Rise'; Mike Birbiglia Joins 'The Fault In Our Stars'

* First announced three years ago, but not really picking up steam until Dwayne Johnson and director Barry Sonnenfeld became attached, the adaptation of graphic novel Lore is now undergoing some changes. Sonnenfeld is out, with David Green (the upcoming sci- film Echo) stepping in as director. Ashley Wood and T.P. Louise's comic takes place in a world where mythical creatures have been banned, held at bay by a secret society known as Shepherds. But when the generational line is broken, the creatures start coming back and a reluctant hero's life is threatened. [THR]

* Ben Wheatley (Sightseers) will direct an adaptation of J.G. Ballard's High-Rise, and yep, it sounds like it will fit in the offbeat director's canon quite nicely. Here's the breakdown: "When a class war erupts inside a luxurious apartment block, modern elevators become violent battlegrounds and cocktail parties degenerate into marauding attacks on “enemy” floors. In this visionary tale, human society slips into violent reverse as once-peaceful residents, driven by primal urges, re-create a world ruled by the laws of the jungle." Wheatley's longtime collaborator Amy Jump is penning the script with a 2014 shoot planned.

* Comedian and writer/director of last year's excellent Sleepwalk With Me, Mike Birbiglia has now joined the cast of The Fault In Our Stars, based on John Green's popular novel. The film directed by Josh Boone stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort as cancer-stricken teens who fall in love while attending a support group. Green made the announcement on Twitter, revealing that Birbiglia will take on the role of Patrick. Nat Wolff, Sam Trammell, and Laura Dern co-star, with the film expected to open some time in 2014.