Redford, Levinson hit "Walk" trail

Robert Redford and Barry Levinson are lacing up their boots for "A Walk in the Woods," an adaptation of the best-selling travelogue by Bill Bryson.

Levinson is in discussions to direct the long-gestating project, which at one time was being eyed as a Redford-Paul Newman reunion. Levinson's involvement would be a leap forward for the project. Redford plans to star and produce.

A travelogue containing satire and political commentary, the 1998 book is about the attempt by Bryson -- accompanied by a recovering-alcoholic friend -- to hit the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, only to get hit right back.

"Walk" is not necessarily Redford's next movie. He also is developing an untitled Jackie Robinson project that Thomas Carter is attached to direct. Redford is attached to star as Brooklyn Dodgers manager Branch Rickey, the executive who broke baseball's color barrier by signing the black player.

Both "Walk" and the Robinson project are dependent on Redford's script approval and are awaiting drafts. The writers' strike is delaying that process. The projects also need to finalize financing. Whichever project is further along is the one Redford likely will choose.

Levinson appeared at Redford's just-wrapped Sundance Film Festival, where he was promoting his Hollywood insider movie "What Just Happened?" The film still is looking for a distributor.