Brett Ratner is in negotiations to direct Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment's remake of "The Incredible Shrinking Man." Brian Grazer is producing the project, which has Eddie Murphy attached to star.

An updated version of the best-selling novel and 1957 sci-fi classic starring Grant Williams, "Man" is taking the comedic approach to the fantastical material, telling the story of a famous Las Vegas magician who is put under a spell that causes him to shrink. He must find a way to reverse the spell before he gets so small that he "disappears."

Thomas Lennon and Robert Ben Garant penned the most recent draft of the screenplay for the project, which had previously seen Pete Segal and Keenen Ivory Wayans in the director's chair.

Universal president of production Donna Langley and executive vp production Peter Cramer will oversee for the studio.

Ratner, one of the town's most commercial directors, is currently helming one of the short subjects in the "New York, I Love You" anthology film. At Universal, he is also attached to direct "Playboy," Grazer's project about Hugh Hefner.

Ratner, who last directed "Rush Hour 3," is repped by CAA and attorney Jake Bloom.

Brett Ratner in talks for 'Shrinking Man'

By Borys Kit

April 17, 2008,