Rather than pursue that oft-mentioned "I am Legend" prequel, director Francis Lawrence and star Will Smith have instead decided to team on a new, unrelated project : Lawrence is aboard to develop and direct "City That Sailed," a 20th Century Fox project about a father and daughter living on opposite sides of the ocean whose love is so strong that it causes Manhattan to split off and float across the Atlantic.

Variety says the film will be developed as a potential star vehicle for Smith, who is producing with Overbrook Entertainment partner James Lassiter.Brian Koppelman and David Levien are currently rewriting Andrew 'Truman Show' Niccol's script.

Lawrence is next expected to direct "Water for Elephants," the Fox 2000 adaptation of the Sara Gruen novel that is being scripted by Richard LaGravanese. Lawrence has been courting Reese Witherspoon to star in the story of a Depression-era traveling circus, but the actress has not committed.