We first heard about 1952 almost a year ago, when Disney signed a seven-figure deal with Lindelof to write the project, which is an ambitious attempt to create family-friendly tentpole film that would span multiple media platforms and no doubt be the first in a franchise.  That's about all we know of the endeavor, along with the notion that it may involve elements of science fiction.  Maybe.  Even the title, 1952, is, as far as we know, only a code-title, the meaning of which remains mysterious.

Now, though, thanks to Deadline, we do know that Disney has set Bird to direct the film, and that the studio hopes very much to make it his next feature.  The plan is apparently to give Bird plenty of prep time, with production tentatively scheduled to begin next year.  Bird has a history with the studio, having directed the outstanding Pixar films The Incredibles and Ratatouille.  Prior to that, the onetime The Simpsons animation consultant also helmed the masterful, underseen The Iron Giant for Warner Bros.

Since making his live-action debut with Ghost Protocol, Bird's been developing several projects, including 1906.  He long worked to make that film, centered around the devastating San Francisco earthquake during the titular year, his first live-action feature, but the necessarily large budget and huge scope have held it back.

1952, meanwhile, will be the first original film property developed by Lindelof, who is currently scripting with Jeff Jensen.  Since wrapping up work on the series, the Lost executive producer has kept busy.  Working with Star Trek screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci, he contributed to last year's Cowboys & Aliens, and shares scripting credit with the duo on next year's untitled Star Trek sequel, currently in production.  He also took over writing duties for Jon Spaihts on the Ridley Scott-directed Alien prequel, now titled Prometheus.  That film hits theaters on June 8th and is looking spectacular and scary so far.

Stay tuned for updates on 1952.  Hopefully we'll eventually get a better idea of just what it is and how it's proceeding.