Director Mike White has left the Lionsgate adaptation of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies just a few months after signing onto direct the dramatic thriller.

We reported in November that White had landed the gig after David O. Russell left the project in October. White left the project because of a pre-existing commitment he made to HBO, and scheduling couldn't be worked out for him to direct this adaptation of the Seth Grahame-Smith novel. Here's a brief statement that Mike White released:

"I loved the project and looked forward to working with Lionsgate. Unfortunately, the timing could not be worked out. I wish them the best with the movie."

Lionsgate is currently seeking directors to bring the project back to life. Seth Grahame-Smith's book is a reimagining of Jane Austen's novel, where Elizabeth Bennett and James Darcy must square off against zombies. We reported in December that Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy were circling the Bennett and Darcy roles. It isn't clear if they are still in contention for the roles.