Danny DeVito has quite the mixed directing record. While he has some gems - like the Roald Dahl adaptation Matilda and the 1989 comedy The War of the Roses - he also has his fair share of critical duds, including his last two features, Duplex and Death To Smoochy. DeVito hasn't directed a movie since 2003, but now he's ready to get back behind the camera.

THR reports that DeVito's next project will be The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, an adaptation of Avi's Newbury Award-winning young adult novel. The book is set in the 19th century and centers on a girl - the titular Charlotte - as she crosses the Ocean on a boat from England to America as the only passenger. The project is being financed by a UK-based company called Intandem and both Morgan Freeman and Pierce Brosnan are attached to star. Said DeVito about the project, "I’m looking forward to casting Charlotte in what is an amazing role for a teenage actress." Production is scheduled to begin next year in Ireland.

Matilda is easily my favorite DeVito film, and this project sounds like it's very much in that same vein. The actor/filmmaker made a great choice in selecting Mara Wilson for the part in the 1996 film and it will be interesting to see who he selects for the part. And if I had my druthers? Let's see: young teenage girl, incredible acting ability, and experience doing period pieces and accents? Is there really any choice other than True Grit's Hailee Steinfeld?