Lane, Broderick Bring 'Producers' To Big Screen

Brooks Also Attached To New Movie Version

It was first a movie, then a Broadway smash and now, it's on its way to becoming a movie again.

Universal Studios has announced that "The Producers" will be remade for the big screen and it's going to star the lead actors that made it a Broadway sensation -- Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.

According to studio spokesman Michael Moses, "The Producers" may be in theaters by Christmas 2005.

Mel Brooks directed the original screen version in 1968 -- starring Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel -- and adapted the film for Broadway. Brooks will produce and co-write the new film version, which will be directed by the Broadway musical's director Susan Stroman.

Lane and Broderick have been playing to packed houses since late last month when they returned to the show for a limited engagement.

The comedy duo have been offered to star in an "Odd Couple" revival on Broadway, but it doesn't look like they'd have the time to do that anytime soon.

Once they're through with that in April, their spokesman says they'll "go off to do their own thing" -- and then they'll film the movie version of "The Producers."

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