The animation company behind Coraline and the upcoming ParaNorman, Laika Studios, has announced they have optioned a feature film adaptation of the book Goblins, by Philip Reeve. Animation director of The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Marc Gustafson, is set to direct the 3D stop-animation feature.
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The children’s novel was only released in the UK on April 5th, with a release in the US at a TBD date in Fall 2013. Why they are waiting so long is beyond me. You would think they would want it out to create hype for the new movie.
From the book description:
This is a wild world of magical creatures and heroic adventure from the extraordinary imagination of Philip Reeve. The squabbling goblins who live in the great towers of Clovenstone spend their time fighting and looting. Only clever young Skarper understands that dark magic created by a vanquished sorcerer is rising again. From the lands of men come fortune-seekers – and trolls, giants, cloud-midens, boglins, swamp monsters, tree-warriors and bloodthirsty goblins are swept into a fabulous magical conflict to thrill all fantasy fans.
“I am delighted that LAIKA has optioned Goblins,” said Philip Reeve in a statement. “I love the look and feel that they achieved in films like Coraline and Moongirl, and I think the studio’s distinctive approach, led by the deft directing hand of Mark Gustafson, will be the perfect way to bring Clovenstone and its goblins to life.”
Laika has bigger fish to fry at the moment, with the October release of ParaNorman. As a fan of Coraline, I have to say, this looks great.