Neil Jordan to direct 'Skippy Dies' adaptation

Neil Jordan, who recently helmed "Ondine" and "The Brave One," will direct the big-screen adaptation of Paul Murray's "Skippy Dies." Variety says Jordan will also be in charge of writing the screenplay.

The story follows Ruprecht and Skippy, two roommates at a public school in Ireland. Ruprecht is a math wizard, and when Skippy dies, Ruprecht tries to find a scientific way to get in touch with the dead.

This doesn't sound like a new concept, but I'm sure Jordan can do a lot with the material. Jordan's credits also include "Breakfast on Pluto," "The Good Thief," "The Crying Game" and "The End of the Affair."

Neil Jordan to helm Gaiman's 'Graveyard Book'

Neil Jordan will write and direct the big-screen adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel "The Graveyard Book."

Gaiman made the announcement on "The Today Show" Tuesday during his press tour for "Coraline," another one of his books to make the transition to the big screen.

Described as a homage to "The Jungle Book," "Graveyard" focuses on a boy who is adopted by the occupants of a graveyard after the death of his parents.

Although Gaiman didn't reveal too many details, he said the film will be live-action. The author also co-wrote "MirrorMask" and "Beowulf."

As for Jordan, his directing credits include "The Crying Game," "Interview with the Vampire" and "The Brave One." He also won the Oscar for best original screenplay for "The Crying Game."

Jordan is also currently working on "Ondine," a fantasy drama about a fisherman who discovers a mysterious women in his fishing net. Colin Farrell stars.