Exciting news today, as Steven Spielberg will develop the big-screen adaptation of "Pirate Latitudes," the last novel Michael Crichton completed shortly before his death. DreamWorks has acquired the rights to the book, and Spielberg may end up directing the project. I really hope he does.

The Hollywood Reporter says David Koepp, who worked with Spielberg on the adaptation of Crichton's "Jurassic Park" and "The Lost World: Jurassic Park," will write the adaptation. Koepp told the trade Crichton was one of the "most innovative writers of our era."

"Pirate Latitudes" is set in 1665 and focuses on a risky plan to infiltrate the rich city of Port Royal and raid a Spanish galleon. The novel will be published later this fall by HarperCollins.

Spielberg is currently wrapping post/prod. on "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn," I am utterly excited about as a Tintin fan. Koepp last directed "Ghost Town." As for Crichton, the master author left us in November last year at the age of 66.