Universal picks 'BioShock' helmer has word that 28 Weeks Later director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo has been signed to direct the BioShock movie that was once to be helmed by Gore Verbinski before the project went on hold. Word is:

Gore Verbinski has stepped out of the directing slot, but remains the film's producer through his U-based Blind Wink shingle. John Logan wrote the script.

Verbinski opted out of directing because the studio's budget plan for the film has been revamped to lense abroad in order to take advantage of tax credits and favorable exchange rates. Verbinski couldn't commit to an overseas shoot because he is locked into directing the Paramount animated film "Rango," with the title character voiced by his "Pirates of the Caribbean" cohort Johnny Depp.