Way back in 2009, we reported thatLord of the RingsandThe HobbitdirectorPeter Jacksonwas developing an adaptation of the belovedMortal Enginesnovel, and now it’s finally coming to fruition.Peter Jacksonis teaming up with Universal Pictures and Media Rights Capital to produce this movie with hisLord of the RingsandHobbitcollaboratorsFran WalshandPhilippa Boyens, althoughPeter Jacksonwill not take the helm. Instead,Christian Rivers, who has worked as a visual effects supervisor forPeter Jackson’s Weta Digital, will make his feature directorial debut. Here’s whatPeter Jacksonhad to say in a statement.
“Christian is one of my closest collaborators. The combination of emotion and jaw-dropping visuals in Mortal Engines makes this the perfect movie for his move into feature directing. What Christian intends to do withPhilip Reeve’s terrific story is going to result in an original andspectacular movie. I wish I could see it tomorrow!”
Deadlinereports that Media Rights Capital and Universal Pictures will co-finance, with production slated to begin next spring in New Zealand.Peter Jacksonco-wrote the screenplay adaptation withFran WalshandPhilippa Boyens. Here’s whatDonna Langley, Chairman of Universal Pictures, had to say in her statement.
“Peter,Fran,PhilippaandChristianare all visionary storytellers with the gift of turning their passion projects into beloved blockbusters for a worldwide audience. The studio is proud of our longstanding relationship with MRC and these tremendous filmmakers, and we are looking forward to collaborating on this cinematic re-imagination of Philip’s bold andfantastical novel.”
First published in 2001 by Scholastic, Reeve’sMortal Enginesbooks have won several prestigious awards including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Award, the Smarties Gold Award and Blue Peter Book of the Year.Mortal Enginesis set in a world many thousands of years in the future. Earth’s cities now roam the globe on huge wheels, devouring each other in a struggle for ever diminishing resources. On one of these massive Traction Cities, Tom Natsworthy has an unexpected encounter with a mysterious young woman from the Outlands who will change the course of his life forever. Here’s what authorPhillip Reevehad to say in his statement.
“I’m thrilled thatChristian,Fran,PhilippaandPeterare bringing my book to the screen. They’ve created some of the most memorable imaginary worlds in modern cinema, so I can’t wait to experience their vision of the world ofMortal Engines.”
Peter JacksonandFran Walshwill produce alongsideZane Weiner(The Lord of the RingsandThe Hobbittrilogies),Amanda Walker(The Hobbit) andDeborah Forte(The Golden Compass,Goosebumps).Ken Kamins(The Hobbittrilogy,District 9,Jack Reacher) will executive produce, whilePhilippa Boyensserves as co-producer. Based on the first novelMortal Engines, the film is a Sci-Fi/Fantasy and is the first in a planned series of films based onPhilip Reeve’s novels. The series is comprised of four books:Mortal Engines,Predator’s Gold,Infernal DevicesandA Darkling Plain.
