Doug Liman has signed on to direct Everest for Sony Pictures. We first reported on this project back in August 2009, when Sony acquired the rights to Jeffrey Archer's book, Paths of Glory.

Sheldon Turner is adapting the book, which centers on George Mallory, who tried to be the first man to scale Mount Everest in the 1920s. The movie will center on Mallory's obsession with the mountain, and his rivalry with fellow climber George Finch. After two attempts which fell short in 1921 and 1922, George Mallory and his climbing partner, Sandy Irvine were last spotted near the top of Mount Everest on their last attempt in 1924, before they disappeared. George Mallory's remains were discovered by climber Conrad Anker in 1999. Conrad Anker's discovery was chronicled in the 2010 documentary The Wildest Dream.

Doug Liman, who himself is an avid climber, will supervise Sheldon Turner's next draft of the script. Everest is said to be a top priority at Sony Pictures, although it isn't clear when production may start.