Chris Weitz has come back to direct the action-adventure thriller, The Golden Compass for New Line Cinema.

After taking a leave of absense from the project last year, Chris is returning to the first film in the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman. Chris wrote the screenplay and was originally slated to direct; he was replaced by Anand Tucker (Shopgirl), and according to The Hollywood Reporter, Anand left because of creative differences and reported budget constraints.

When Tucker left the project, Weitz stepped back into the head role. Filming for The Golden Compass is set to begin in September; a November, 2007 release is scheduled.

The Golden Compass was released December 7th, 2007 and stars Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Dakota Blue Richards, Ben Walker, Freddie Highmore, Ian McKellen, Eva Green, Jim Carter. The film is directed by Chris Weitz.