Chuck Russell Enjoys Himself Some Arabian Nights 3D

Chuck Russell has been attached to a lot of movies since “The Scorpion King” in 2002, but as far as I know he hasn’t finished or actually come through with any of them. (What’s up with “Northern Lights”, Chuckie?) The latest project to strike his fancy is a $70 million dollar retelling of the classic “Arabian Nights” tale, in which Russell co-wrote the script and is attached to direct in the 3D format.

Russell’s version of “Arabian Nights” will follow a young commander who, after his king is killed in a palace coup, joins forces with fellow good guys Sinbad, Aladdin, and his genie to rescue the comely Scheherazade and her kingdom from dark powers. Much CG carpet-riding and sword fights ensue.

The boys at Inferno Entertainment will foot the bill. They have “The Experiment” with Adrien Brody and Forest Whitaker coming up, and the action-thriller “The Killer Elite” with Jason Statham on tap.

I am Aladdin, hero to the masses. Hey, who took my magic lamp?