John Madden in Talks to Direct 'My Fair Lady' Remake

The rain in Spain might fall on the plains for director John Madden.

The Brit director, perhaps best known for 1998's 'Shakespeare in Love,' could take on George Bernard Shaw if he does indeed direct the Columbia Pictures remake of 'My Fair Lady,' as reported by Variety. Madden is in talks to come on board the reboot, which does not have a Prof. Higgins or an Eliza Doolittle attached. Keira Knightley's name has been oft repeated to play Eliza, but -- as she told Moviefone earlier this year -- nothing so far has been signed.

This version is to be produced by Duncan Kenworthy ('Love Actually,' 'Notting Hill') and Brit stage roller Cameron Mackintosh. The plot will follow Shaw's 'Pygmalion,' on which 'My Fair Lady' is based, as well as Alan Jay Lerner's original stage book, rather than the 1964 film classic starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. In the '64 film, Eliza (Hepburn) and Higgins (Harrison) marry at the end, which is contrary to the original play. The new version will keep the classic Lerner and Loewe score.

If there was any doubt, the Madden announcement officially excludes director Joe Wright ('Pride & Prejudice,' 'Atonement') from the project. The names of directors Danny Boyle, Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Daldry were also previously linked to 'Lady.'

Madden is presently completing production on Miramax's 'The Debt,' starring Helen Mirren.

Madden seems to to be in his comfort zone in romantic English period pieces, judging by the success of 'Shakespeare' and 1996's 'Mrs. Brown.' 'Lady' is aching to for a remake, so let's hope we get Knightley as Eliza and a worthy Prof. Higgins.