After kicking off The Hunger Games franchise with great success (the film ended up just shy of $700 million worldwide), director Gary Ross pretty much had his cream of the crop when it comes to a follow-up. With The Hunger Games: Catching Fire not on the list by his own choosing, he began to pile up a number of potentials and now we’ve got confirmation on what his next feature will be.
Deadline reports after looking at him early this summer, Disney has locked down the filmmaker to helm Peter and the Starcatchers, dropping the potential The Secret Life of Houdini at Summit Entertainment. Ross is simply waiting on the latest draft from Jesse Wigutow and once that is delivered in the fall, things would move forward. This would keep Ross in family friendly territory, but still something wildly different than he’s previously done.
For those unfamiliar with the 2004 novel published by Disney’s Hyperion and co-authored by Dave Berry and Ridley Pierson, it gives the backstory to the iconic figure of Peter Pan. The Broadway adaptation of the novel has just been nominated for nine Tony Awards, making this project a very hot commodity in Hollywood right now. And as if you hadn’t guessed, the novel is the first in a series which means strong franchise potential. Check out the synopsis for the novel below via Amazon:
Don’t even think of starting this bookunless you’re sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time. Afast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventure awaits as the young orphan Peter and his mates are dispatched to an island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They set sail aboard the Never Land, a ship carrying a precious and mysterious trunk in its cargo hold, and the journey quickly becomes fraught with excitement and danger.
Discoverrichly developed characters in the sweet but sophisticated Molly, the scary but familiar Black Stache, and the fearless Peter. Treacherous battles withpirates, foreboding thunderstorms at sea, and evocative writing immerses thereader in a story that slowly and finally reveals the secrets and mysteries of the beloved Peter Pan.
Production is expected to begin next year for a likely 2014 release.
Are you looking forward to Ross’ next project?