Pack Of Wolves

A gaggle of directors are in line to take over the job of calling the shots on The Wolf Man

The Hollywood Reporter has the list of contenders:

Brett Ratner (pictured), Frank Darabont, James Mangold (pictured, right) and Joe Johnston have either met or will meet with the studio suits and several producers on the flick in coming days to takeover the $100 million project.

Bill Condon is also on the list as well...

The biggest challenge facing the guy who takes over is caused by the ongoing writer's strike. He takes on a locked script overseen by another helmer (Mark Romanek) that's been developed over several years.

Given that, Ratner seems like the strongest candidate because he has experience in taking over "X-Men: The Last Stand" when Bryan Singer departed that project.

Another issue is star Benicio Del Toro has a reputation for being a bit choosy about who he works with and for.

The studio is expected to decide on the new guy next week as they are dedicated to that March production start date.

Ratner...has now officially become the "substitute director". From that list, Darabont would be my preferred pick...