Vadim Perelman is in talks to develop MGM's Poltergeist remake with an eye toward directing the feature. Perelman would join writers Juliet Snowden and Stiles White, who were just hired last week to redo the 1982 horror classic.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the original version was directed by Tobe Hooper from a script co-written by Steven Spielberg. The film's exploration of an ordinary family's reaction to an extraordinarily intense situation likely appealed to Perelman, who delved into similar dynamics in his debut, 2003's House of Sand and Fog, and last year's The Life Before Her Eyes.

No production date has been set.

UPDATE: (9/3/08) MGM has officially announced Vadim Perlman will be directing their remake. Here's the official press release below.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) has signed Vadim Perelman (House of Sand and Fog) to direct Poltergeist.

Cale Boyter, Executive Vice President, Production and Luke Ryan, Vice President, Production, are overseeing the project for MGM.

"We are excited to have Vadim direct Poltergeist, a title which already has a built-in movie-going audience," said Boyter. "With his established track record, we look forward to having him lead the creative direction on this new character-based horror project that will utilize the original film as a jumping off point."

Currently directing and executive producing Ice, a drama pilot for the AMC cable network, Perelman wrote and directed House of Sand and Fog starring Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley, which earned 3 Oscar nominations in 2004. Recently, Perelman directed The Life Before Her Eyes starring Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood. Prior to his film and television work, Perelman established himself as one of the most sought-after directors of commercials and music videos, responsible for a number of memorable spots for multinational clients.

Poltergeist is in development . The film is directed by Vadim Perelman.