In first deal since ‘Ron’s Gone Wrong’ debut, studio nabs Marissa Meyer’s New York Times best-selling book series that reimagines classic fairy tale heroines.
London-based Locksmith Animation has announced it has optioned Marissa Meyer’s New York Times best-selling “The Lunar Chronicles” series of novels including “Cinder” (2012); “Scarlet” (2013); “Cress” (2014); and “Winter” (2015), published by Feiwel & Friends. The popular book series, which debuted in 2012, focuses on a reimagining of classic fairy tale heroines. This is the studio’s first major acquisition since the release of its debut feature film Ron’s Gone Wrong.
Set in a futuristic world beset by a pandemic, Earth, and its former colony Luna, exists in a perpetual state of unrest and tension. In the first book, a teenage cyborg named Cinder (based on ‘Cinderella’) deals with her wicked stepmother, finds love, and discovers secrets about herself. As the series continues, Cinder forges an alliance with Scarlet, a spaceship pilot; Cress, an imprisoned computer hacker; and Winter, a Lunar princess. They must work together, with the crew that includes a soldier, a criminal, and a royal guard, to rise up against the evil Queen Levana to save the country and possibly even the world.
“We are huge Marissa Meyer fans and cannot wait to bring Cinder, Scarlett, Cress, and Winter to a worldwide audience through the talents of our extraordinary team,” shared Locksmith Animation CEO Natalie Fischer. “This unforgettable series has garnered huge praise and popularity and we are determined to give this material the treatment it deserves.”
“I am absolutely thrilled to be working with the team at Locksmith to adapt ‘The Lunar Chronicles’ for the screen,” said Meyer. “Everyone has shown so much enthusiasm for these books and characters, and hearing about Locksmith's vision for the project gives me the best kind of chills. I am as eager as readers are to see Cinder, Prince Kai, and the rest of the Rampion Crew brought to life with stunning animation, and a lot of love!”
“At Locksmith, we are always looking for material that will give viewers a contemporary and authentic perspective,” added Locksmith co-founder and president of production Julie Lockhart. “Marissa’s books successfully turn well known fairy tales into an epic, modern saga that will be engaging and relevant to today’s audiences. We could not be more thrilled about collaborating with her on bringing her vision to life through animation. “
Meyer was represented in the deal by Creative Artists Agency in association with Jill Grinberg Literary Management.
Source: Locksmith Animation
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
