Christopher Columbus to direct 'Benjamin Sniddlegrass and the Cauldron of Penguins'

In an embarrassing typographical error, famed Italian explorer Christopher Columbus has been hired to direct the upcoming film adaptation of 'Benjamin Sniddlegrass and the Cauldron of Penguins'.

'I really don't know how this happened,' said studio president Jonah Kurtzburg. 'I told the producers I wanted Chris Columbus to do the picture and the next thing I knew, there was a signed multi-picture deal with a 15th century European Admiral sitting on top of my IN tray.'

This will be the first high-budget Hollywood film for Columbus, who is best known for initiating Spanish colonization of North America. He beat out fan favourites Paul Greengrass (Resurrected) and Guillermo Del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) for the job.

A spokesman for Columbus, who died of a heart attack in 1506, said he was 'thrilled to be joining the Benjamin Sniddlegrass family' and that he hoped to give fans of the books 'the movie they deserve'.

Producer Jon Peters released a statement earlier today, saying he was 'overjoyed to have CC on board' and that he brought a 'sensibility to the picture distinct from the Hollywood mainstream'.

Benjamin Sniddlegrass and the Cauldron of Penguins is due to begin shooting in April for an October 2010 release date.