Ron Howard to Helm Live-Action Spy Vs. Spy Caper

The Mad Magazine comic strip Spy Vs. Spy -- where two identical creeps in hats and trenches outdo each other's sneaky antics -- is coming to life thanks to director Ron Howard, screenwriter John Kamps (who wrote Sony's upcoming Premium Rush), and producer and script overseer David Koepp (who directed Rush and co-wrote the new Jack Ryan movie for Paramount). Shouldn't be long until the Goofus & Gallant movie washes ashore. More details follow.

According to Deadline, the Spy Vs. Spy movie will happen a long time from now, if Ron Howard's schedule is any indication. He's close to signing on for the previously reported Rush -- provided that can start shooting by the fall -- and there's still the matter of The Dark Tower. Per Mike Fleming:

In an interview I did with Howard and Grazer to commemorate Imagine's 25th anniversary, they told me in no uncertain terms they are determined to make The Dark Tower early next year, whether at Universal or elsewhere. I believe them.

I think I'd have preferred another board game title over this. A Jenga disaster movie? Is that happening yet? Maybe Tom Hanks can play a moral, but self-deprecating plank of wood.

· "Ron Howard, David Koepp Team Up For 'Spy Vs. Spy' [Deadline]