Variety reports that British director Andrea Arnold (Fish Tank) has inked a deal to direct Ecosse Films' adaptation of Emily Bronte's novel Wuthering Heights.

Peter Webber was said to be directing the project in December. Previously attached director John Maybury left the film last summer. Natalie Portman, Abbie Cornish and Gemma Arterton were all attached at one point to play the lead "role of doomed lover Cathy."

The novel follows Cathy as she has to choose between her passionate love for a man named Heathcliff and her well-meaning husband.

With Arnold on board, the project will most likely start production by spring.

The film is said to emphasize the youthful, teen aspect of the main characters in the original source material.