The Graveyard . . . Movie?

April 30, 2012

Disney has purchased the film rights to Neil Gaiman's Newbery-winning book, and has offered the directing role to Coraline director Henry Selick.

Disney have purchased the rights to Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, and have offered the director's chair to Henry Selick.

Selick previously directed another of Gaiman's spooky children's stories, with the critically acclaimed 3D hit Coraline back in 2009. Other animated works include James and the Giant Peach and the Tim Burton-produced The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Deadline report on the high six-figure deal for Gaiman's wonderful story, which riffs on Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book: an orphaned boy is brought up by ghosts in a graveyard after his parents are murdered. The rights to the book were owned by UK's Framestore, with Neil Jordan once attached. However, with the project stalling, Disney stepped in and won a huge bidding war.

Selick is currently working on a secret project for Disney/Pixar, and will begin work on The Graveyard Book afterwards. A screenwriter has yet to be found.

Via DIY.