Alexander Payne opts for 'Descendants'

Oscar-winning filmmaker Alexander Payne, whose last feature was 2004's splendid comedy "Sideways," will direct Fox Searchlight's upcoming family dramedy "The Descendants."

The film is based on Kaui Hart Hemmings' novel and follows a rich landowner who embarks on a search for his wife's lover with his two daughters. His plan is to do everything it takes to keep his family together.

Nat Faxon and Jim Rash wrote the script, but Payne is currently doing some rewrites, according to Variety. He will shoot the film later this year or early 2010 in Hawaii. Casting has yet to get under way.

Payne also directed "About Schmidt" and "Election." One of his upcoming projects is "Downsizing," a comedy starring Paul Giamatti, Sacha Baron Cohen and Reese Witherspoon.

News of Payne directing a new flick always gets me excited. Especially "Sideways" is one of those films I can watch over and over again without growing tired of it.