Darren Aronofsky Will Not Direct ‘Red Sparrow’ (Exclusive)

Darren Aronofsky will not direct Red Sparrow, 20th Century Fox’s adaptation of the spy thriller by Jason Matthews being produced by Chernin Entertainment and Film Rites.

Aronofsky had been in negotiations to helm the project since the fall but is now moving on, according to sources. The filmmaker, who is prepping his biblical tale Noah for a March release for Paramount, is now scouting for his follow-up to develop.

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Fox is still high on the project, which it picked up in a seven-figure deal in April 2013 for Steve Zaillian and Garrett Basch of Film Rites and Peter Chernin of Chernin to produce.

The project is in development and does not have a script, so the studio will now focus on hiring a scribe. There is also a chance it could reapproach Aronofsky down the line. 

The story centers on a Russian spy seductress and a young CIA agent who deals with Russian moles. The two play a cat-mouse game that has global implications, with the action moving from Russia, across Europe to the U.S.