Steven Spielberg's Next Film is a Remake of HARVEY

So, I didn't see this one coming. Steven Spielberg's next film project is set up and ready to go. He will be directing an adaptation of Mary Chase's Pulitzer Prize winning play Harvey, which also was made into a movie in 1950. What ever happened to Spielberg's Abraham Lincoln film!? That's the one I want to see finally get made! Don't get me wrong, Harvey is a fine story, but it is also a film that really doesn't need to be made for audiences these days. I just don't see how there is a market for it, plus how can you replace James Stewart? Bringing this story to life again just doesn't make sense to me, both artistically and financially, I don't see it being a big hit at the box office.

The film is a co-production between Twentieth Century Fox and DreamWorks. Here are statements from both Spielberg and Tom Rothman.

"I am very happy to be working again with my friend Tom Rothman who shepherded us through 'Minority Report,' and with Elizabeth and Carla, who I'm looking forward to collaborating with," said Spielberg. "DreamWorks has experienced a creative and profitable relationship with Twentieth Century Fox in the past, and I look forward to renewing that time together."

"Don Gregory entrusted us with these precious rights, Beth Gabler and Carla Hacken developed an exceptional screenplay and Jim and I had the easy part: Deciding to go first, before anyone else, to a filmmaker who combines the mastery of craft, tone, wit and insight that 'Harvey' embodies," said Rothman. "Steven Spielberg is film's greatest humanist. And we feel blessed as Elwood himself to be collaborating with him, Stacey, and everyone at DreamWorks."

Harvey is the story of an amiable eccentric, Elwood P. Dowd, and his friendship with a six and a half feet tall invisible rabbit and how this affects every member of his family and his community. I love the original film, and I see no need to remake it. Producer Stacey Snider would have to disagree with me.

"This is a story relevant for all times, perhaps more so than ever before. We are so pleased to be able, with Fox, to be bringing this to today's audiences."

This is a timeless story that anyone could watch and love, but I don't know why they are going to take the time, money and talent to produce it again, when the original film is perfect as is. I am a huge fan of Spielberg and his films, but his decision to do this, I just don't understand at the moment. What are your thoughts on Spielberg retelling the story of Harvey?