New Line headed back to 'Center of Earth'

LOS ANGELES, March 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. movie studio New Line Cinema will do a sequel of its 2008 3-D hit "Journey to the Center of the Earth," an industry source says.

The Hollywood Reporter said Thursday the new "Journey" film will be fully financed by New Line. Last year's movie, which grossed $240 million worldwide and enjoyed robust DVD sales and rentals, was partially financed by Walden Media.

The 2008 film starred Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson, and Anita Briem as a trio who accidentally becomes trapped in a unique world at the Earth's core.

The movie was based upon author Jules Verne's 19th-century novel of the same name, while the sequel will reportedly borrow from Verne's "Mysterious Island," along with fellow literary classics "Gulliver's Travels" and "Treasure Island."

The Reporter said "Journey" director Eric Brevig is also set to direct the sequel, titled "Mysterious Travels." No word on possible stars for the new 3-D film.