Columbus to head up Rent

"Harry Potter" director Chris Columbus is to try something new with plans to direct the film "Rent".

While better known for films like "Nine Months" and "Jingle all the Way", not to mention the first two smash-hit "Harry Potter" films, he now plans to direct the stage musical "Rent" - based on Puccini's "La Boheme".

"Rent" takes Puccini's original plot and moves it into a New York loft.

The stage version of the show has been as massive success since opening in 1996 - becoming the 10th longest running production in Broadway history.

While the film rights were bought up fast, delays hit the project until Hollywood's appetite for musicals was whetted by the success of first "Moulin Rouge" and then "Chicago" - which was also adapted from a stage production.

Rumours have also linked Justin Timberlake to the project.

The plot of the film follows a year in the life of friends living a Bohemian life.

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