Andrew Niccol to direct Stephanie Meyer's THE HOST

Andrew Niccol has signed on to direct the feature adaptation of Stephanie Meyer's The Host. Inferno Entertainment and producers Nick Wechsler and Steve and Paula Mae Schwartz are currenlty shopping this project in Cannes. Earlier we reported that Saoirse Ronan had been cast in the lead.

Meyer sold the rights to the book with some strong resistance, after producers gave her strong creative input. Niccol was originally chosen by Meyer, because she was a fan of his film Gattaca and script for The Truman Show. He initially adapted the book into the current script, but left to make the Now, starring Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Cillian Murphy. A number of directors were considered to helm the project, but Niccol came back into contention this past week after Ronan was cast.

Ronan plays "Melanie Stryder, one of the last humans putting up a fight against an alien species called Souls. These parasites invade human bodies, fuse to each person's consciousness and systematically erase their personalities. Melanie is captured by the aliens and implanted by a Soul called Wanderer (who Saorise will also play), something of a legend because of all of the "hosts" she has attached to on numerous planets. Wanderer's goal is to get Melanie to give up the remaining pockets of humans, but instead the alien finds Melanie to be unique in her unwillingness to surrender her consciousness. Wanderer is so overwhelmed by Melanie's memories and feelings, the alien is driven to reconnect with Melanie's old life." 

Niccol's involvement only makes sense, especially since Meyer wanted him to begin with and he wrote the script. What are your thoughts on this news?

Heres the description from the book:

In this tantalizing SF thriller, planet-hopping parasites are inserting their silvery centipede selves into human brains, curing cancer, eliminating war and turning Earth into paradise. But some people want Earth back, warts and all, especially Melanie Stryder, who refuses to surrender, even after being captured in Chicago and becoming a host for a soul called Wanderer. Melanie uses her surviving brain cells to persuade Wanderer to help search for her loved ones in the Arizona desert. When the pair find Melanie’s brother and her boyfriend in a hidden rebel cell led by her uncle, Wanderer is at first hated. Once the rebels accept Wanderer, whom they dub Wanda, Wanda’s whole perspective on humanity changes. While the straightforward narrative is short on detail about the invasion and its stunning aftermath, it shines with romantic intrigue, especially when a love triangle (or quadrangle?!) develops for Wanda/Melanie.