Tim Burton to direct Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz in 'Big Eyes'

There's quite a bit of backstory involved with the production of Big Eyes, a film that has been in development for more than five years. A biopic of American artists Margaret and Walter Keane, who were famous for their oil paintings of doe-eyed children, the film has had a number of stars attached to play the married couple. Last year Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Reynolds came aboard, succeeding the original pair of Thomas Haden Church and Kate Hudson. Tim Burton was circling a producer role, but instead it appears he's decided to direct it himself, while also bringing aboard a new pair of leads.

Deadline reports that Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz will now star in the film, joining Burton in what looks like a welcome change-of-pace for them all. Written by Ed Wood scribes Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewsk, who were originally going to co-direct, the story will follow the couples' rise to fame in the 1950s an 60s, until their divorce and ensuing legal battle as Walter attempted to take credit for paintings done by Margaret. The case turned into a circus, as Walter was challenged to paint in front of the court, but declined due to a sore shoulder. Margaret would easily prove she was the artist and win the decision, destroying Walter's career.

There's no word on when filming would begin, but with Adams and Waltz coming off recent Oscar success it's likely that The Weinstein Company will want to fast track it as a potential awards contender.