According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake of the 1930s classic “The Thin Man” now has a scriptwriter–screenwriter and author Jerry Stahl.

Warner Brothers put the film into development in October, according to the site, and decided to take their time finding a screenwriter. The main criteria they were looking for in a screenwriter was one with the ability to give the film a fresh spin while retaining its classic charm.

Johnny Depp is expected to star in the film as well as produce alongside his Infinitum Nihil partner, Christi Dembrwoski. Also expected to produce is former Warner Brothers executive Kevin McCormick via his company, Langley Park. McCormick has worked with Depp on previous projects, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Sweeney Todd”.

The original “Thin Man” movies were based on a novel by Dashiell Hammett which centered around former detective Nick Charles and his socialite wife, Nora. After the first “Thin Man” movie was made in 1934, several other “Thin Man” movies were made due to the on-screen chemistry of Myrna Loy and William Powell. The “Thin Man” films continued way into the ’40s, ending with “Song of the Thin Man” in 1947.

The remake of “The Thin Man” will be released sometime in 2013.