Spike Lee hasn't directed a musical since 1988's School Daze, but all that may soon change: The New York Post reports that Lee is in "discussions" with Miramax Films about directing the film version of Rent. Miramax acquired the rights to Jonathan Larson's prizewinning musical (it's "La Boheme" goes downtown, basically) in 1996, but agreed not to release the film before fall 2001 in order to protect international productions of the musical. Stephen Chabosky is currently at work on the script. Lee is said to be a big fan of Rent, and has seen the musical several times.

the jury's still out on whether or not this is one of those Things That Should Not Be. i'll probably make my decision after they announce the casting of Michael Jackson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and/or Freddy Prinze Jr. [quote from Film.com, found via Dark Horizons]