MGM Acquires and Greenlights CABIN IN THE WOODS

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) has acquired and green lit THE CABIN IN THE WOODS, written by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, on which Goddard will also make his directorial debut and Whedon will produce. The project is the studio's first movie to get the green light from Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM, who is aggressively rebuilding MGM's theatrical production and marketing divisions.

In making the announcement, Parent said: "We couldn't be more excited to green light our first film with Joss and Drew and for Drew to be making his directorial debut at MGM. Not surprisingly, 'Cabin' is one of the most original and clever scripts I've ever read. It's a visceral thrill ride and I'll leave it at that."

"This couldn't have turned out better for me," said Whedon. "I'm goofy with the love for this script, and with Drew at the helm and Mary at the ... other part of the helm ... it'll be great! Mary has been a terrific collaborator and mentor, and for her to respond so passionately -- and decisively -- to our project means a great deal. The new MGM is the perfect place for Drew to do the kind of work I know he can do except for when I'm subtly sabotaging him because I'm jealous of his talent and height."

Goddard added: "Honestly, this is a dream come true for me. I get to work with Mary and everyone at MGM, who have shown us nothing but love and support from page one. And I get to keep working with Joss, which is nice 'cause he's the best writer I've ever met and as a producer he gets discounts at local ethnic eateries around town."

Goddard, who is under an overall deal at ABC Television Studios and who has served as writer/producer on the JJ Abrams "Lost" series for the past two seasons, recently wrote the original screenplay for Cloverfield, the sci-fi thriller from Abrams' Bad Robot, produced in association with Paramount Studios which earned a $170 million worldwide box office earlier this year.

Goddard and Whedon first teamed on the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" television series, which Whedon created. The duo also worked on the Buffy spin-off, "Angel." Goddard additionally was a writer on the television series "Alias."

Whedon, who began his career writing the feature films Speed and Toy Story, for which he received an Oscar nomination, went on to create Emmy award winning series, "Buffy," "Angel" as well as "Firefly." Whedon's highly anticipated television project, "Dollhouse," will be launched on the Fox Network in 2009.

Whedon's recent feature film credits include writing and directing Serenity for Universal Pictures, and writing the screenplays for 20th Century Fox's X-Men and Alien Resurrection.

Joss Whedon is represented by Creative Artists Agency and attorney Sam Fischer of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman, Cook, Johnson, Lande & Wolf. Drew Goddard is represented by UTA and attorney Jeanne Newman at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman.