We haven’t heard anything about Passengers since the press release that said Focus was in talks to acquire distribution rights for it from The Weinstein Company. I received the following google alert a bit ago:

SOLD – Film Rights: Focus Snags Keanu Reeves’s ‘Passengers’ From Weinstein Co.

The article is posted on The Wrap Pro. A paid subscription is required to read it so there is no way to verify the news. If the deal has indeed been finalized, then it may help attract a new female lead. We will have to continue to wait and see on this one, but seeing the world sold associated with distribution rights for the film gave be some hope that the project is still trudging forward.

The head line is here.

Note: The yearly subscription rate is $247 and there is a two week free sign-up period before they start charging your card. The last time I tried one of those offers, it turned into the venture from hell so I’ll pass.