February 8, 2008 - Now that Nu Image/Millennium Films have struck an interim agreement with the WGA that allows Thomas Dean Donnelly and Joshua Oppenheimer to start writing the script for the new Conan movie, the producers are on the hunt for a director to bring the Robert E. Howard character back to the big screen.

Hitman helmer Xavier Gens recently confirmed for IGN that he had indeed met with the producers about helming Conan, but sources close to the production told us that Gens is just one of several contenders in the running for the job. Also, Gens' commitment to making Vanikoro his next film might prevent him from landing the job as the producers and distributor Lionsgate are intent on starting production later this year.

IGN has now confirmed a rumor first reported by Bloody-Disgusting.com that musician-filmmaker Rob Zombie (Halloween, The Devil's Rejects) has met with the producers about directing Conan. Our source advised us, however, that no one will be hired until the script is finished.

Our insider also exclusively informed IGN that, in addition to Gens and Zombie, the producers have met with British filmmaker Neil Marshall (The Descent, Dog Soldiers) about directing Conan. Marshall's next film is the post-apocalyptic thriller Doomsday for Rogue Pictures. Check out our video interview below with Neil Marshall at the 2007 Comic-Con, wherein the filmmaker discusses his upcoming movie: