Casting is underway on Vincenzo Natali's next feature, Splice, with plans to shoot the sci-fi horror this summer in Toronto under executive producers Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth), Don Murphy (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) and Susan Montford (Shoot 'Em Up), with producer Steve Hoban (Black Christmas, Ryan) of local shop Copperheart Entertainment and exec Franck Chorot (Chrysalis) of France's Gaumont. The story, by Natali, follows two genetic scientists who become celebrities for creating new, fantastic creatures from animal DNA.

"Vincenzo is taking Splice to really edgy places," said del Toro in a statement. "The moment I cringed while reading the script, I knew I wanted to help him realize his vision."

Casting is being handled by John Papsidera. Copperheart is also developing a feature version of the Dragonriders of Pern fantasy novels.