Tim Burton to Direct Christoph Waltz, Amy Adams in 'Big Eyes'

Tim Burton is coming on board to direct Big Eyes, a drama from the Weinstein Co. based on the relationship between Walter and Margaret Keane, THR has confirmed.

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Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams are in negotiations to play the couple, who rose to prominence in the art world and mainstream for popular paintings of big-eyed children in the 1950s and '60s.

The drama in the script by Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander centers on a decades-long dispute between the two after their 1965 divorce over who actually painted the pictures.

Walter Keane compared himself to lofty painters such as Rembrandt, slighting Margaret who then asked for a “paint off.” A years-long court battle ensued with a judge finally ordering the two to paint in court. Walter lost and had to pay millions, although he continued to say he was the originator.

For Burton, Eyes will reteam him with the writers of one of his most acclaimed movies, Ed Wood. Karaszewsi and Alexander  initially were going to direct the project in a version that would have seen Ryan Reynolds and Reese Witherspoon starring but financing and scheduling never gelled. (Burton was always involved as a producer.)