Source: Hollywood Reporter

Josh Hartnett, who once starred in "40 Days and 40 Nights," is now in final negotiations to topline 30 DAYS OF NIGHT for Columbia Pictures, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The film is based on the comic book 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, which was written by Steve Niles, illustrated by Ben Templesmith and published by IDW. David Slade is directing.

Penned by Stuart Beattie and Brian Nelson, the story is set in Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost town in the U.S., where the sun does not appear for more than 30 days during the dead of winter. An evil force emerges from the darkness, striking terror in the town. The local sheriffs -- a husband (Hartnett)-and-wife team -- are forced to choose between saving themselves and helping the town survive until daylight returns.

The studio is looking for a female lead.