Steve Carell Magician Comedy Lands Director (Exclusive)

11:13 AM PST 2/24/2011 by Borys Kit

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Charles McDougall worked with Carell on "The Office," has directed episodes of "The Tudors" and "Parks and Recreation," and won an Emmy for the pilot episode of "Desperate Housewives."

New Line is finally conjuring up a director for its magician comedy Burt Wonderstone.

Charles McDougall is in talks to direct the picture, which has Steve Carell attached to star.

The project, originally set up in 2006, is set in the world of rival Las Vegas magicians. Carell is a more traditional magic man who is dethroned by a hip younger illusionist and must then find a way to rediscover his love for magic.

New Line is eyeing a fall start.

Chad Kultgen wrote the original script. John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein wrote the current one.

Chris Bender and J.C. Spink are producing with Benderspink as is Tyler Mitchell. Carell is also producing via his Carousel banner.

Jake Kasdan was previously attached to direct before it became a Carell vehicle.

McDougall, repped by WME, worked with Carell as a director of numerous episodes of The Office. He also helmed episodes of Parks and Recreation, The Tudors, and Sex and the City. He won an Emmy for directing the pilot for Desperate Housewives.