"New Line Cinema has set Christopher Hampton to adapt Susanna Clarke's novel "Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell." Tale concerns a magician and his apprentice who use their powers in the war against Napoleon but are eventually pitted against each other. Project is one of several epic-sized fantasy book adaptations being mobilized by a studio looking to reload after "The Lord of the Rings"..." (full details)
Sony will distribute the $25 million Will Ferrell-Dustin Hoffman starrer "Stranger Than Fiction" in North America as well as significant foreign territories. Sony will also take domestic rights on the supernatural thriller "Passengers," directed by Rodrigo Garcia and both are set for a 2006 release. Finally, Columbia has come on board to develop Mandate Pictures' drama "The Year of Wonders."..." (full details)
Beating out several bidders, Universal Pictures has acquired Stephen Belber's spec script "The Power of Duff." The script concerns a local newscaster in Rochester, N.Y., who finds himself at the center of a spiritual drama. Belber is a New York playwright whose "Match," starring Ray Liotta and Frank Langella, played on Broadway last year. He also wrote the play "Tape" and the adaptation for the 2001 movie version..." (full details)
David Mamet's "Edmond" has been nabbed by First Independent Pictures, which is acquiring all rights for the United States and Canada. Mamet wrote the screenplay, which is based on his play. Stuart Gordon directed. "Edmond" is the dark, picaresque tale of an everyman (William H. Macy) who, after realizing his life is boring and meaningless, leaves it all behind to embark on his own quest for truth and fulfillment. The ensemble cast also includes Julia Stiles, Denise Richards, Mena Suvari, Dylan Walsh, Joe Mantegna, Rebecca Pidgeon, Dule Hill, Bai Ling, Bokeem Woodbine, Debi Mazar, George Wendt and Lonnie Smith..." (full details)
Thanks to 'KC'
