In 2002 everyone was talking about the Yann Martel fable Life of Pi. Even those who weren’t in touch with the world of modern literature had heard of it, and were reading it in between Patricia Clarkson and Harry Potter novels. The story, about a boy trapped on a life-boat with a tiger, a hyena, a zebra and an orangutan, sold many books and received much critical acclaim, so it was bound for a film adaptation. And yet only now do we hear an update.

Ang Lee, director of Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Brokeback Mountain, was been lined up to adapt it, after a few failed attempts by M Night Shyamalan (thank heaven for small victories), Alfonso Cuaron, and Jean-Pierre Jeanout.  This was several years ago, and many thought the project to be doomed to development hell, much like lauded novel The Confederacy of Dunces. But this week Ang Lee has spoken of his plans.

Lee wants to make the film in 3D, and is aiming to start production this summer. Of course, it has yet to be greenlit by Fox, but something tells me Lee has decided on 3D more for its bankability than enhancement of storytelling (a shoe-horning process that will ensure great directors get to see their pet projects made, but also talentless hacks given a chance they don’t deserve). It will be interesting to see if this film makes it. If so, it will be an important step for 3D, as it’s not a mainstream action or fantasy flick that naturally relies on visuals.