NEW YORK, March 4 — A new version of the classic horror film, produced by blockbuster director Michael Bay, will be helmed by Dutch filmmaker Diederik Van Rooijen.

In discussion for several years, the remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” is now back on the table following news of the Dutch director’s arrival. The remake, from Universal Pictures and Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes production company, will mark Diederik Van Rooijen’s Hollywood feature debut and his first English-language film.

Released in 1963, “The Birds” was Alfred Hitchcock’s 48^th film. The horror movie depicts the terror of citizens in Bodega Bay, California when flocks of birds begin viciously attacking people.

It remains to be seen which actress will follow in the footsteps of Tippi Hedren, who played the heroine in the original film. Naomi Watts was mentioned when the project first surfaced in 2007, before falling through two years later.

Diederik Van Rooijen is known in the Netherlands for directing the series “Penoza,” which ABC adapted for US audiences under the title “Red Widow.” — AFP-Relaxnews