Gore Verbinski had previously warned he might leave the big-screen adaptation of video game Bioshock should the production shoot overseas. And given that Universal Pictures was considering that option to take advantage of tax credits and exchange rates, the news that Verbinski "has stepped out of the director's slot" doesn't come as a huge shock.
With Verbinski out, that leaves the director's chair open for Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. He impressed Universal with his English-language debut, 28 Weeks Later, plus — huge bonus — Fresnadillo's from Spain and has no problem working in Europe. Fresnadillo is awaiting approval from Take Two Interactive, the studio responsible for the Bioshock video game. Verbinski will stay on as producer.
The directing change could be good news for Pirates of the Caribbean fans, if it creates room for Verbinski to return for Pirates 4 — a project he'd left to concentrate on Bioshock.