 Ehren Kruger 's screenplay was written as a spec script ; in February 2001 , Metro @-@ Goldwyn @-@ Mayer ( MGM ) purchased the script , with Summit Entertainment to co @-@ finance the film . In October 2002 , Terry Gilliam entered negotiations to direct , and rewrote Kruger 's script alongside frequent collaborator Tony Grisoni . However , the Writers Guild of America refused to credit Gilliam and Grisoni for their rewrite work , and Kruger received sole credit . After Gilliam 's hiring , production was put on fast track for a target November 2004 theatrical release date . The budget , originally projected at $ 75 million , was to be Dimension Films ' most expensive film ever . The studio had trouble financing the film , and dropped out as main distributor . Weeks later , Bob Weinstein , under his Dimension Films production company , made a deal with MGM and Summit to co @-@ finance The Brothers Grimm , and become the lead distributor . 
