Variety is reporting that Joel Schumacher has been replaced by Brad Anderson (’The Machinist’, ‘Transiberian’) as director of the upcoming film ‘The Hive’, from Troika Pictures.

Read on for the synopsis.

Set against the backdrop of a 911 emergency center, fast-paced suspense pic follows a 911 operator who must face her own fears in order to save a teenage girl from a serial killer.

Rich D’Ovidio (’Exit Wounds’) wrote the script, which initially had Halle Berry attached before she dropped out due to personal scheduling issues, though several top actresses have expressed interest in the part.

Anderson had this to say.

I’m extremely excited about working with Troika on ‘The Hive. This script has two elements I always look for in a thriller — strong, believable female characters and a smart, very dark and very creepy story that will definitely resonate with large audiences.

Production is expected to start in late spring.