Joel Schumacher to bring Patricia Cornwell novel to screen (8226)

Joel Schumacher is negotiating with Columbia Pictures to develop and direct a screen version of Patricia Cornwell's Cruel & Unusual, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film would be the first in a series of films to feature Cornwell's most famous character, medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta. Sony optioned the 11 Scarpetta novels almost two years ago. Schumacher's delayed Phone Booth finally opens in theaters Friday.