News

Exclusive: Legendary Television has acquired the rights to Murdle, a collection of murder mystery puzzles by G. T. Karber, to develop a scripted series based on the best-selling book.

Pacesetter Productions brought the pitch to Legendary, with plans to build out a Murdle universe that will also include films and unscripted series, after acquiring the book in a competitive situation.

Paddington writer Jon Croker will pen the television adaptation, which will be the project to launch this expanded universe. So far, the logline for the series is still being kept under wraps.

Published by St. Martin’s Griffin in the US and Souvenir Press/Profile Books in the UK, Murdle features 100 “simple to impossible” mysteries for readers to solve. The book has been translated into more than 30 languages, with over a million English-language copies sold in the first year. It is a Sunday Times bestseller and took the top prize...

Chris Hemsworth has entered into negotiations to take on the iconic fairy tale love interest role in Disney’s upcoming ‘Prince Charming.’

‘Wonka’ and ‘Paddington’ helmer Paul King is set to take the director’s chair but as yet, plot details are being kept locked up in the Disney villain’s castle.

King, Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker are co-writing the screenplay.

Also in news – Colman Domingo to make directorial debut with ‘Scandalous’

Hemsworth is currently lending his voice to the character of Optimus Prime in the latest animation in the Transformers franchise, ‘Transformers One.’ He’s next set to star in Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming thriller ‘Crime 101,’ featuring Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan and Mark Ruffalo. The film is based on a short story by Don Winslow, with Bart Layton directing. Winslow’s original story follows a series of high-level jewellery thefts up and down the Pacific Coast Highway...

He's played warlord Dementus in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the God of Thunder in the MCU, actual Optimus Prime in Josh Cooley's Transformers One, and Kevin in 2016's Ghostbusters. Now, having long since proven himself one of Hollywood's most charming guys, Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth is in the frame to play Disney's very own Charming guy — Prince Charming, that is. Per Deadline's reporting, the Extraction man is in talks to lead a live-action movie about Disney's quintessential royal suitor from Paddington and Wonka director Paul King.

First confirmed to be in development just last week, King's Prince Charming movie is set to see the British filmmaker reteam with regular writing collaborators Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker to offer a new angle on one of cinema and literature's most iconic — and arguably most two-dimensional — characters. Whilst plot details on this one aren't forthcoming just yet, we do at least...

It looks like Disney has found its “Prince Charming.”

Chris Hemsworth is in talks for the new live-action film from “Wonka” and “Paddington” filmmaker Paul King. The project, ostensibly about the prince from “Cinderella” who goes on a quest to find her after she leaves a single glass slipper behind, is based on a script that King wrote with Jon Croker and frequent collaborator Simon Farnaby.

Disney had no comment.

Hemsworth is obviously a part of the larger Disney family, having essayed the role of Thor in many Marvel Studios movies beginning with 2011’s “Thor” and, most recently, in Taika Waititi’s “Thor: Love and Thunder” in 2022. Earlier this year, Hemsworth played wasteland maniac Dementus in George Miller’s “Furiosa” and took on the role of Optimus Prime in Josh Cooley’s “Transformers One.”

Disney has already adapted “Cinderella” for live-action with the 2015 Kenneth Branagh-directed film that starred Lily James...

We recently learned that Paddington and Paddington 2 director Paul King is on board to direct a Prince Charming movie for Disney. Whether it's a prequel or sequel remains unclear, though the latter seems more likely with the addition of Chris Hemsworth.

According to Deadline, the Avengers: Endgame and Thor star is in talks to play the iconic character. It's an intriguing role for Hemsworth in a year that's seen him widely praised for his work in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Transformers One. 

Prince Charming plot details are being kept a secret but King is co-writing the movie alongside Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker. As a result, it will likely be his next feature following last year's Wonka. 

Disney's Prince Charming is the love interest of Cinderella in the 1950 animated classic. Unlike many other Disney princes, Prince Charming's character is not deeply developed in the original film. He's simply...

After bringing the origin story of Willy Wonka to life with last year’s Wonka, Paul King has been tapped by Disney to direct a live-action film about Prince Charming. While many Disney movies feature a Prince Charming-type character, the actual Prince Charming appeared in Cinderella as a love interest to the title character. However, according to insiders, this Prince Charming movie “will not specifically be linked to Cinderella.” Simon Barnaby and Jon Croker are set to co-write the script alongside King.

Deadline now reports that King may have found his Prince (no pun intended). It’s now being said that Chris Hemsworth is now in talks to play the titular character. Disney has not made a comment yet. The plot details are yet to be known, but the “Prince Charming” trope is a tradition among classic Walt Disney animated films that feature a princess like the aforementioned Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty.

Disney is continuing to explore its classic characters with new live-action takes on its animated films, as this has been a lucrative business for the studio for some time. We recently learned that Paul King ("Paddington") is now set to direct a "Prince Charming" movie for the Mouse House which, on the surface, seems like a purely money-driven idea. Today, however, we also learned that none other than Thor himself, Chris Hemsworth, is in talks to star in the lead role, which changes the game.

According to Deadline, Hemsworth is being eyed to place the titular character in the "Prince Charming" movie. Hemsworth is coming off of "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" and the animated "Transformers One." He is, however, best known for his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Thor, having most recently appeared in the relatively disappointing "Thor: Love and Thunder" in 2022 (his "cameo" in "Deadpool & Wolverine...

It looks like Disney might have found their Prince Charming: Chris Hemsworth is reportedly in talks to star in the upcoming film!

Right now, plot details are unknown, but the InSneider and Variety are reporting that the Thor actor is eyeing the role of the iconic Disney prince.

Keep reading to find out more…

At this time, we don’t even know if the film will be a live-action movie, or an animated project.

Wonka director Paul King is taking the helm on this one. He’s also working on the script with Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker. Stay tuned as we learn more – including additional casting and a possible plot.

Although Prince Charming is most closely associated with Cinderella in the Disney franchise, previous reports indicate that “the film will not specifically be linked to Cinderella.”...

Chris Hemsworth is headed to the steps of the palace.

The “Thor” actor is in talks to play the iconic fairy tale love interest in Disney’s upcoming “Prince Charming” film. Plot details for the picture are under wraps, and it’s not clear yet if the film will be live-action or animated. “Wonka” filmmaker Paul King will direct. King, Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker are co-writing the screenplay.

Aussie actor Hemsworth most recently voiced Optimus Prime in the animated sci-fi film “Transformers One” and earlier this year appeared as deranged warlord Dementus in George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” opposite Anya Taylor-Joy.

He’s next set to star in Amazon MGM Studios’ upcoming thriller “Crime 101,” also featuring Halle Berry, Barry Keoghan” and his “Avengers” pal Mark Ruffalo. The film is based on a short story by Don Winslow, with Bart Layton directing. Winslow’s original story...

Chris Hemsworth is in talks to star as titular character in Disney’s new Prince Charming movie, which has Paul King on board to direct. Deadline first reported last week that King was developing the pic, and can now confirm that Hemsworth is in talks to play the iconic character. Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker are co-writing along with King. The film is in development.

Disney had no comment on Hemsworth’s involvement.

While plot details are unknown, the Prince Charming character has many origins throughout literature. But when it comes to Disney, it is usually the character that becomes the love interest of many of the Disney princesses. While many have linked him to classic animated pics like Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, his true origin is Cinderella, where Cinderella’s actual love interest is Prince Charming.

As for the the film project, insiders do add that the film...

Have we reached peak Disney prequels? The news of a Prince Charming movie may be a bit much!

The Disney live-action adaptations of its animated classics have been debated a lot among Disney fans. Some do enjoy them, and they have been serious box-office hits. However, many feel they fail to capture the magic of the original animated classics, and some (The Lion King) just come off as awful trying to make these tales “realistic.”

Disney is only increasing it with the upcoming Mufasa, a prequel to the 2019 Lion King, which explores the unneeded origins of the future king character. That would have been tricky enough with an animated version, let alone the live-action, as fans disliked how the movie took a “photo-realistic” approach to the property.

Now we’re getting another unique spin as Deadline reports that writer/director Paul King will be helming a new film based on Prince Charming,...

Disney has tapped Paul King, celebrated for directing the heartwarming ‘Paddington’ series and the recent ‘Wonka’ movie, to helm a new live-action film about Prince Charming. This movie looks to delve deeper into the character of Prince Charming, much like ‘Wonka’ explored its title character beyond the chocolate factory.

King’s direction is expected to offer a traditional take on the fairy tale prince, steering clear of the modern, edgy reinterpretations that films like ‘Shrek’ have popularized. Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker, who collaborated with King on ‘Paddington 2’, are joining him in writing the screenplay.

Farnaby is also known for his work on ‘Wonka’ and the UK sitcom ‘Ghosts’.

The film’s narrative seems poised to explore why Prince Charming is such a discerning character who can be found chasing after a woman with just one shoe. It’s an interesting twist on the archetype that often portrays him as merely a handsome,...

Disney is set to reimagine yet another classic character with a live-action twist, this time bringing Prince Charming into the spotlight. With Paul King, the visionary behind “Paddington” and “Wonka,” in the director’s seat, fans can expect a fresh and whimsical take on one of Disney’s most famous fairy-tale heroes.

Paul King will also be co-writing the script along with Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker, making it a creative collaboration between familiar names. The film aims to reintroduce Prince Charming—typically a supporting figure overshadowed by the princess—to center stage, giving audiences a deeper insight into his story. The details on plot specifics are still largely under wraps, but it’s anticipated that Disney will try to add more complexity and depth to the character’s well-worn archetype.

The decision to cast Paul King suggests Disney wants to lean into a blend of humor, heart, and family-friendly charm.

Paddington duo Paul King and Simon Farnaby are bringing Prince Charming to the big screen for Disney.

Director Paul King cut his teeth on Noel Feilding and Julian Barratt’s surreal sitcom The Mighty Boosh, while writer Simon Farnaby was a member of the original Horrible Histories team, who later went on to make the hugely successful Ghosts. They made their feature film debut in 2009 with The Bunny And The Bull.

If 2014’s Paddington captured the hearts of the nation, then 2017’s Paddington 2 – one of the greatest family films ever made – turned them into absolute treasures.

They made a left field turn into prequel territory in 2023 with the delightful Wonka – The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon was robbed of the Best Song Oscar for Never Had Chocolate Like This – and since then film fans have been eager to see what the pair will do next.

Now, we have the answer.

For decades, Disney has developed an iconic lineup of Princesses. Now, the House of Mouse is planning to let one of their Princes take center stage in a new movie.

According to reporting by Deadline, the studio is developing a movie about Prince Charming, the Prince who is most closely associated with Cinderella.

Additional details about the movie have been revealed, including the director!

Keep reading to find out more…

Paul King, who has directed the Paddington film franchise, will direct the movie. He’s also working on the script with Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker.

Although Prince Charming is most closely associated with Cinderella in the Disney franchise, sources told the outlet that “the film will not specifically be linked to Cinderella.”

It is not immediately clear if the movie will be animated or live action. We’ll let you know as we continue to learn more!

Disney just...

Paul King is headed to Disney.

After being attached, for many years, to their live-action version of “Pinocchio” (eventually directed by Robert Zemeckis), King is back at the Magic Kingdom to direct “Prince Charming,” TheWrap has learned. He will also co-write the script with Simon Barnaby and Jon Croker.

Prince Charming, of course, is the character from “Cinderella,” who goes searching for the title character using the glass slipper she left behind. Plot details of this spinoff story are being kept under wraps.

King was attached to “Pinocchio” way back in 2018, after Sam Mendes departed the project. Farnby, who worked on the scripts for King’s “Paddington 2” and “Wonka” (and appeared as an actor in the first “Paddington”), wrote King’s version of “Pinocchio,” as well.

Earlier this year, King told TheWrap that he loved “Pinocchio” but that “it didn’t work out for personal reasons, which had nothing...

Paul King seems to have that magic touch for family-friendly movies, and Deadline reports that Disney has recruited the director to helm a new Prince Charming movie.

While many Disney movies feature a Prince Charming-type character, the actual Prince Charming appeared in Cinderella as a love interest to the title character. However, according to insiders, this Prince Charming movie “will not specifically be linked to Cinderella.” Simon Barnaby and Jon Croker are set to co-write the script alongside King.

Related Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net: Aquaman, Leon, Napoleon, Oppenheimer, Poor Things, Willy Wonka

Although Paul King directed the first two Paddington movies, he didn’t return for Paddington in Peru as he made the difficult choice to helm Wonka instead. “It was really difficult, because I’d spent eight years with the bear and I felt such incredible love for him,” King said. “He’s an animated character,...

Prince Charming, the love interest of many a Disney princess, is getting his very own feature film.

“Wonka” filmmaker Paul King, who also helmed the first two “Paddington” features, is directing “Prince Charming” for Disney. King, Simon Barnaby and Jon Croker are co-writing the screenplay, of which plot details have not been confirmed. It’s unclear if the film will be live action or animated.

In classic fairy tales, the Prince Charming character is one who rescues a damsel in distress and sets out to save her from evil forces/ stepmothers. See: “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Rapunzel” and basically any other 20th century Disney movie. In those films, however, he’s usually a side character and not the main star. Though Prince Charming was originally the love interest of Cinderella, this project will not be specifically linked to the curfew-breaking princess, according to Deadline Hollywood, who reported the news...

Exclusive: After helping bring the Paddington franchise and a new Willy Wonka movie to life, director Paul King has his sights set on another iconic character. Sources tell Deadline that King has come on to direct a new Prince Charming movie at Disney. Simon Farnaby and Jon Croker are co-writing along with King.

While plot details are unknown, the Prince Charming character has many origins throughout literature but when it comes to Disney is usually linked to the character that becomes of the love interest of many of the Disney princesses. While many have linked him to classic animated pics like Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, his true origin is Cinderella, where Cinderella’s actual love interest is Prince Charming.

As for the the film project, insiders do add that the film will not specifically be linked to Cinderella.

The film seems to fall right in King’s wheelhouse after...

Paul McCartney and Gaumont have assembled an all-star creative crew for “High in the Clouds,” the long-awaited feature adaptation of McCartney’s children’s adventure novel.

Boasting six original songs by McCartney, the family adventure movie, which is budgeted at €28 million, will be directed by Toby Genkel (“The Amazing Maurice”), scored by Michael Giacchino and penned by Jon Croker (“Paddington 2”), with Patrick Hanenberger tapped as production designer. McCartney will voice one of the main characters. Two other major music stars are in advanced talks to come on board.

Production will begin during the first quarter of 2024 and delivery is expected for the first quarter of 2026. Gaumont is producing with McCartney via his banner Mpl Communications.

The English-language feature follows the journey of a headstrong teenage squirrel, Wirral, who lives in Gretschville, a city where music has been banned by a diva-owl, Gretsch, who wants to be the only singer in town.

London-based PR maven Matthew Freud, joined by fellow Brit and collaborator Charlie Mackesy, offered his apologies for winning the Oscar for Short Film (Animated) for The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse.

“I’ve never made a film before, so this is bewildering,” Freud said in accepting the trophy. “I know the protocol is to say ‘thank you’ a lot, but I’m British, so I’m more comfortable saying ‘sorry.’ So, I’m really sorry to all the people who should be on this stage with us,” alluding to the large crew and voice cast who teamed up for two years during Covid to make the film. Freud closed by quipping that he was “also really sorry to my children, my girlfriend and my colleagues at [PR firm] Freuds for basically being absent over the last two years.”

Related: The 2023 Oscars’ Biggest Moments, Snubs And Surprises

The Boy came...

A version of this story about Charlie Mackesy and “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” will appear in the Down to the Wire issue of TheWrap’s awards magazine.

Charlie Mackesy’s bestselling 2019 book “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” is a slim illustrated volume in which very little happens apart from a conversation between four different creatures about kindness, love and accepting oneself. A delicate and philosophical creation, it has been adapted into a 34-minute film that adds just enough plot without ever betraying the heart of the original book.

The film, which is available on Apple TV+, is nominated in the Best Animated Short category at the Oscars. But it has already won the British Academy Film Award (BAFTA) for Best British Animation and it took home four awards at Saturday’s Annie Awards. In addition to winning Best Special Production, it triumphed in the character animation,...

Ahead of the Academy Awards, we’ve reviewed every short film in each category: Animation, Documentary, and Live Action.

Animation

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse | UK | 35 minutes

You can’t go wrong with a children’s story contending you are worthy of life just the way you are. It’s the sort of heavy subject matter that could very quickly move towards suicidal ideation, so you do have to applaud Charlie Mackesy for approaching from a place of compassion, empathy, and––most of all––youth. So when Boy (Jude Coward Nicoll) suddenly finds himself unable to control his tears after an error in judgment that leaves no one the worse for wear, all he needs is a gentle reminder from his new friends that crying is a strength rather than weakness. Those tears are necessary and meaningful. They should be felt, understood, accepted.

There are many...

"Nothing beats kindness, it sits quietly beyond all things."

This is just one of the many messages about loving others and yourself that is outlined in this gentle family animation from Peter Baynton and Charlie Mackesy, which has made the Oscar short animation shortlist. Based on Mackesy's book - co-scripted with Jon Croker (Paddington 2) -  this tale of a little lost boy (voiced by Jude Coward Nicoll) and the cake-loving mole (voiced by Tom Hollander) he goes on an adventure with is as soft as the snowy landscape they find themselves in.

As they start to follow the river and aim to find a home, they will encounter a fox (voiced by Idris Elba) who initially spells danger and a horse (voiced by Gabriel Byrne), who has a surprising secret.

Baynton's previous work, including Save Our Bacon and Over The Hill, has had quite a bit of edge to it,...

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Charlie Mackesy remembers the first thing producer Cara Speller said to him when they met about turning Mackesy’s bestseller “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse” into an animated short: “I wonder how they move?” “It was an intimate, child-like question and I found it very compelling,” Mackesy told IndieWire in a recent interview.

It wouldn’t be the first time a larger story sprung from the artist, illustrator, and cartoonist’s lovely drawings of kindness and hope. The characters who populate “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” began appearing in posts on Mackesy’s Instagram in 2018; one sketch, in which the horse tells the boy that the bravest thing he ever said was “Help,” became a viral sensation. That led to a deal with Ebury Press and a picture book depicting a chance encounter between the titular characters.

After turning down several proposals to adapt the story,...

Apple TV+ released the trailer for its upcoming animated short “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse,” an adaptation of the 2019 bestseller from Charlie Mackesy, which won the Book of the Year award from British chain Waterstones. Its debut on December 25 positions it well for nominations in the Best Animated Short Oscar race.

The children’s fable was produced by J.J. Abrams and Cara Speller, a producer on “Ant-Man” and “Rocket & Groot” animated series, as well as “Love, Death, & Robots.” Woody Harrelson is an executive producer.

The voice cast includes Jude Coward Nicoll (the boy), Tom Hollander (the mole), Idris Elba (the fox), and Gabriel Byrne (the horse). Peter Baynton, whose work in visual effects includes the beloved “Paddington 2,” is the co-director alongside Mackesy. Jon Croker, credited with “additional material” for “Paddington 2,” plus a co-writing credit on the quite good Netflix horror pic “No One Gets Out Alive,...

Apple Original Films has acquired international rights for the animated short film “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.”

After becoming the first streaming service to win the Academy Award for best picture for “Coda,” the streaming platform has its eyes set on animated shorts.

Based on the internationally bestselling book of the same name by celebrated author Charlie Mackesy, the film will be coming to Apple TV+ on Dec. 25. The BBC will premiere the film on BBC One and Player for viewers in the U.K. Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, Gabriel Byrne and Jude Coward Nicoll comprise the voice cast.

The story follows the unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole (Hollander), a fox (Elba) and a horse (Bryne) traveling together in the boy’s search for home.

“The journey of making the film of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse with my incredibly...

Andrew Garfield is headed to the friendly skies. The actor, who was nominated for an Emmy on July 12 for his role in Under The Banner of Heaven, is sticking to the small screen as he's set to play billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson, according to Deadline. The project is a six-part limited series titled Hot Air, based on the books Dirty Tricks by investigative journalist Martyn Gregory, according to the outlet, with multiple platforms in the running to acquire the series.  Hot Air will be directed by Deadpool 2 director David Leitch and written by Paddington 2 screenwriter Jon Croker. The source material tells the wild tale of Virgin Airways, which Branson founded in 1984....

Andrew Garfield will star as Richard Branson in a limited series titled “Hot Air” from Universal International Studios.

David Leicht, who directed “Deadpool 2,” is set to helm the series, which is currently being shopped across the streaming marketplace, according to Deadline, which was first to report the news.

“Hot Air” will be a six-part series written by Jon Croker and based on the book “Dirty Tricks” by award-winning investigative journalist Martyn Gregory. It tells the story of billionaire Branson and the fascinating, outrageous rise of Virgin Airways, Deadline reported Friday.

Also Read:

Adam Scott Joins ‘Madame Web’ With Dakota Johnson at Sony

Croker and Garfield will also executive produce the series with 87North, as well as U.K.-based Two&Two and StoryFirst.

Garfield recently landed his second Oscar nomination and his first Emmy nomination in the same year for his roles in “tick, tick… Boom!” and “Under the Banner Of Heaven,...

Hot off his Emmy nomination for his role in “Under the Banner of Heaven,” Andrew Garfield is in talks to portray billionaire business mogul Richard Branson in a limited series called “Hot Air,” Variety has confirmed. The series will be directed by David Leitch (“Deadpool 2”), with Universal International in discussions to produce.

Universal International Studios declined to comment.

The six-part series is written by Jon Croker (“Paddington 2”), based on the book “Dirty Tricks: British Airways’ Secret War Against Virgin Atlantic” by investigative journalist Martyn Gregory. The story follows Branson through the unbelievable rise of his company, Virgin Airways, and the campaign by British Airways to bring it down.

Branson’s company launched in 1984 and began to take hold of the British airline industry by 1990, at which point BA became threatened by Va’s growth. In response, BA launched a campaign against Va, impersonating employees and using passenger records...

Exclusive: Andrew Garfield, who just landed his first Emmy nomination for FX limited series Under the Banner of Heaven, is headlining another limited series project, Hot Air, which is heating up the streaming marketplace. Garfield is set to portray Richard Branson in the project about the famous British entrepreneur, which I hear is in a competitive situation with multiple major platforms in the running. It comes from Universal International Studios, with Deadpool 2 helmer David Leitch set to direct, sources said.

Written by Jon Croker (Paddington 2), the six-part Hot Air is based on the book “Dirty Tricks” by award-winning investigative journalist Martyn Gregory. It tells the story of billionaire Branson and the fascinating, outrageous rise of Virgin Airways.

Branson launched Virgin Atlantic in 1984 with one leased airplane. By 1990, the company started to threaten British Airways’ dominance in the UK market after getting landing slots at London Heathrow Airport. In response,...

J.J. Abrams Behind BBC Christmas Adaptation; Idris Elba, Tom Hollander Aboard

J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions is adapting international bestseller The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse for the BBC this Christmas, with Idris Elba, Tom Hollander, Gabriel Byrne and newcomer Jude Coward Nicoll boarding. The heartfelt journey told in the novel by Charlie Mackesy will be reimagined in full color with hand-drawn traditional animation, as Abrams combines with Cara Speller of NoneMore Productions for the adaptation. Hollander will play the mole, Elba the fox, Byrne the horse and Coward Nicoll will lead as ‘the boy’. Mackesy is co-directing with Peter Baynton, co-adapting with Jon Croker and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s sister Isobel Waller-Bridge is composing the original score. “Charlie Mackesy’s heart-warming and inspirational story brought to life through NoneMore Productions’ and Bad Robot Productions’ beautiful animation, is about the importance of love, kindness and friendship,” said...

Korean Movies Upcoming

Cj Enm Hong Kong has secured the first and exclusive Pay TV, pay-per-view, video-on-demand and over-the-top (Ott) rights in key Southeast Asia markets to a slate of current and upcoming South Korean films. These are to play on the tvN Movies channel in Southeast Asia. Titles include: “The Roundup” (a.k.a. “The Outlaws 2”), which is currently on release and approaching the 100 million landmark; “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One,” which also opened in first place at the theatrical box office; Cj’s own “Decision to Leave,” which earned Park Chan-wook the best director award at Cannes; disaster-action film, “Emergency Declaration,” which played at Cannes last year and will have an August release in Korea; Hyun Bin and Yoo Hae-jin-starring “Confidential Assignment 2”; Don Lee-starring comedy drama “Men of Plastic,” action thriller movie Decibel, from Megabox Plus M; “A Man of Reason” (formerly “The Protector”) directed...

Exclusive: Sony Pictures has set Jon Croker (High In The Clouds) to adapt anticipated fantasy novel series Skandar And The Unicorn Thief, which was acquired by Simon and Schuster and Sony in seven-figure deals last year.

The first book in author A.F Steadman’s series, which is set to launch in spring 2022, follows a thirteen-year-old boy whose dreams of becoming a unicorn rider are disrupted when an emerging enemy steals the land’s most powerful unicorn.

The publishing deal, made by Simon & Schuster Children’s UK and Simon & Schuster U.S., was the biggest known deal for a children’s debut. Sony preemptively acquired the feature rights with their own aggressive offer.

Drew Reed and Jake Bauman were key in landing that deal and Peter Kang has been overseeing the project for Sony Pictures.

Croker is best known for scripting The Woman In Black 2: Angel Of Death...

No One Gets Out Alive: "Ambar (Cristina Rodlo) is an immigrant in search of the American dream, but when she's forced to take a room in a boarding house, she finds herself in a nightmare she can't escape."

Director: Santiago Menghini

Writers: Jon Croker, Fernanda Coppel

Based on the Novel No One Gets Out Alive by Adam Nevill

Cast: Cristina Rodlo, Marc Menchaca

Producers: Jonathan Cavendish, Will Tennant

Executive Producers: Andy Serkis, David Bruckner, Philip Robertson, Adam Nevill, Jon Croker

Releases globally on Netflix on September 29, 2021

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Mean Spirited: "Michelle Veintimilla, Neville Archambault, and Will Madden join the cast for Mean Spirited, the solo directorial debut from Jeff Ryan. The film, which is co-written by Ryan and Joe Adams, is a found-footage horror-comedy set to begin shooting this fall.

Madden will star as Andy, an up-and-coming Vlogger whose attempts to reconnect with his estranged friend, Bryce (played by Ryan) fall...

Exclusive: Netflix is reteaming with Andy Serkis and Jonathan Cavendish’s Imaginarium Productions on a second adaptation of an Adam Nevill horror novel, this time the author’s 2014 book No One Gets Out Alive.

Cristina Rodlo (Miss Bala) and Marc Menchaca (The Outsider) have been set as leads in the story of an immigrant in search of the American dream who, after being forced to take a room in a boarding house, finds herself in a nightmare she can’t escape.

Netflix and Imaginarium Productions produced a film based on another of Nevill’s novels, The Ritual, in 2017. The companies’ have also previously worked together on Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle and have an adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm in the pipeline.

Cavendish and Will Tennant will produce for Imaginarium, with Andy Serkis, David Bruckner, Phil Robertson, and Adam Nevill as executive producers. Jon Croker and Fernanda Coppel...

McCartney created original songs and music for film based on children’s adventure novel he co-wrote.

Netflix has boarded Gaumont’s animated feature adaptation of Paul McCartney’s children novel High In The Clouds revolving around the woodland adventures of a young squirrel.

McCartney co-wrote the 2005 adventure novel with Philip Ardagh and it was illustrated by Geoff Dunbar.

”I’ve always loved animated films and this is a hugely important passion project for me. I can’t wait for the world to see it,” said McCartney, who has created and produced all the original songs and music for the film.

Netflix has come aboard Sir Paul McCartney’s long-gestating animated film High In The Clouds, which is based on the children’s adventure novel of the same title written by the iconic Beatles musician as well as Geoff Dunbar and Philip Ardagh. The project hails from French company Gaumont, which optioned the book back in 2012 after it had been in development since 2009.

Timothy Reckart, who earned an Oscar nomination for his 2012 animated short Head Over Heels and directed the 2017 animation film The Star, is directing High In The Clouds from a screenplay by Paddington scribe Jon Croker.

It’s a story of an imaginative teenage squirrel named Wirral who finds himself pulled into a ramshackle gang of teenage rebels who live high in the clouds after he accidentally antagonizes Gretsch the owl, the tyrannical leader (and fabulous singer!), who steals the voice of anyone who upstages her.

Producers are Bob Shaye,...

Netflix is going to get high high high with its adaptation of “High in the Clouds,” a children’s book written by Paul McCartney, Netflix announced Tuesday.

Netflix is producing an animated feature film based on McCartney’s book “High in the Clouds” first published in 2005. Netflix will produce along with Gaumont, which originally optioned the book back in 2017.

Timothy Reckart is directing from a screenplay by Jon Croker, who wrote both of the “Paddington” films. McCartney himself will also produce and provide original songs and music for the movie.

Also Read: Watch Rihanna and Paul McCartney's 'How Are You on My Flight?' Midair Reunion (Video)

“High in the Clouds” is the story of an imaginative teenage squirrel named Wirral who finds himself pulled into a ramshackle gang of teenage rebels who live high in the clouds after he accidentally antagonizes Gretsch the owl, the tyrannical leader (and fabulous singer!

Paul McCartney is collaborating with Netflix and Gaumont on the animated feature “High in the Clouds,” based on the children’s novel he wrote with Geoff Dunbar, and Philip Ardagh.

McCartney is producing and contributing songs to the film, which centers on an imaginative teenage squirrel named Wirral who find himself pulled into a ramshackle gang of teenage rebels who live high in the clouds. He accidentally antagonizes Gretsch the owl, the tyrannical leader who steals the voice of anyone who upstages her.

Timothy Reckart is directing from a script by Jon Croker, who has credits on the Paddington movies and “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Besides McCartney, the producers include Bob Shaye (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy), the late Michael Lynne, Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee, Nicolas Atlan and Terry Kalagian (Gaumont).

“High in the Clouds” was published in 2005. McCartney set the project up with Shaye and Lynne...

A film adaptation of Paul McCartney’s children’s novel, High in the Clouds, is headed to Netflix.

Per a statement, High in the Clouds tells the story of a teenage squirrel named Wirral who finds himself “pulled into a ramshackle gang of teenage rebels who live high in the clouds after he accidentally antagonizes Gretsch the owl, the tyrannical leader (and fabulous singer!), who steals the voice of anyone who upstages her.” A release date has yet to be announced.

McCartney, co-author Philip Ardagh and illustrator Geoff Dunbar published...

Back in 2016, it was reported at the Cannes Film Festival that a remake of 1968's Witchfinder General was in the works with Nicolas Winding Refn (The Neon Demon) producing. Now, several years later at Cannes, the director for the remake has been revealed.

Deadline reports that John Hillcoat is on board to direct the Witchfinder General remake. A cast has yet to be assembled, but production is being planned to begin as early as this year.

Hillcoat will direct from a screenplay by Jon Croker (The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death), with Bynwr.com's Refn and Rupert Preston producing alongside Hillcoat’s Blank Films.

Here's what Refn had to say (via Deadline) about Hillcoat directing the remake:

"It is with extreme pleasure that both Rupert and I can incorporate John Hillcoat into our group as director for our production of Witchfinder General. It gives me enormous satisfaction to...

The 1968 historical horror drama Witchfinder General is getting remade by director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and producer Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive).

For those of you not familiar with the original movie, is starred the great Vincent Price and was based on a novel written by Ronald Bassett. The story is set in 1645 Norfolk, England, it was “a fictionalized study of real-life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins and the heinous crimes he committed during the English Civil War.”

The original film also featured a lot of torture and violence, which as you might image, stirred up some good controversy at the time. As it played at drive-ins and grindhouse theaters, it became a cult classic. With Hillcoat and Refn bringing this story to life again, I imagine they’ll also want to push the limits in regards to crazy content.

Jon Croker (Woman In Black 2) has been hired to write the script, and...

Exclusive: Coming full circle here at Cannes after Deadline reported a few years ago that Nicolas Winding Refn was preparing a remake of historical horror drama Witchfinder General, the project now has a director. John Hillcoat (Lawless) has boarded the production as helmer while the filmmakers are out to cast with a start eyed later this year.

Refn and Rupert Preston, through their new production ventures Bynwr.com and Sunrise Films, together with Hillcoat’s Blank Films, are producing the update. All developed the project which is written by Jon Croker (Woman In Black 2).

The original Witchfinder General starred Vincent Price, Ian Ogilvy and Hilary Dwyer and was based on Ronald Bassett’s novel. Set in 1645 Norfolk, England, it was a fictionalized study of real-life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins and the heinous crimes he committed during the English Civil War. Torture and violence featured heavily in the original film, which stirred controversy,...

The beloved Paddington director, Paul King has signed a deal which sees him take the helm of the sci-fi adaptation ‘Time’s Fool’.

King hasn’t strayed too far out of his filmmaking circle for backup on the project. Paddington scribe Jon Croker is on board to pen the script. Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts’ David Heyman is also on board to produce alongside King and Croker.

The film is based on the novel by Glyn Maxwell, the book’s darkly comic synopsis reads;

Stalled train, where Edmund Lea has been stuck for a very long time indeed. A late-twentieth-century, rail-borne reincarnation of the Flying Dutchman, Edmund remains eternally locked in his hellish circuit – with the exception of one day in every seven years, when the train pulls into his hometown, and he must attempt to unravel the nature of his curse.

Also in news – Netflix to reimagine Roald Dahl...

Paul King, director of the “Paddington” movies, has come on board to develop and helm a movie version of the fantasy novel “Time’s Fool” for Fox Searchlight.

David Heyman, who produced the “Harry Potter,” “Fantastic Beasts,” and “Paddington” franchises, is producing. Jon Croker is co-writing the script with King and will also produce.

“Time’s Fool,” written by Glyn Maxwell, is a magical love story about a young man who is trapped, cursed to ride a train for eternity — except for one night every seven years, when the train pulls into his hometown, and he has only a few hours to unravel the nature of his curse.

“I’ve always been attracted to films which use magical ideas to explore real human emotions,” King said. “And so when, one rainy afternoon, Jon poured me a cup of tea and told me the story of ‘Time’s Fool,’ I was immediately hooked.

Paul King, the director behind Paddington and Paddington 2, is set to develop and direct Time’s Fool at Fox Searchlight, the studio announced today.

King and Paddington co-writer Jon Croker will write the screenplay based on the novel “Time’s Fool: A Tale in Verse” by Glyn Maxwell. David Heyman, who most recently produced the new Fantastic Beasts film, will produce along with King and Croker.

The book “Time’s Fool,” originally published in 2000, is a magical love story about a young man who is trapped, cursed to ride a train for all eternity – except for one night every seven years, when the train pulls into his hometown, and he has only a few hours to unravel the nature of his curse.

Paul King, the director behind the much beloved Paddington films, is tackling fantasy feature Time's Fool for Fox Searchlight.

He will reteam with Paddington scribe Jon Croker for the feature based on on Glyn Maxwell's novel Time’s Fool: A Tale in Verse, which follows a young man who is cursed to ride a train for all eternity — except for one night every seven years, when the train pulls into his hometown, and he has only a few hours to unravel the nature of his curse.

“I’ve always been attracted to films which use magical ideas to ...

Paul King, the director behind the much beloved Paddington films, is tackling fantasy feature Time's Fool for Fox Searchlight.

He will reteam with Paddington scribe Jon Croker for the feature based on on Glyn Maxwell's novel Time’s Fool: A Tale in Verse, which follows a young man who is cursed to ride a train for all eternity — except for one night every seven years, when the train pulls into his hometown, and he has only a few hours to unravel the nature of his curse.

“I’ve always been attracted to films which use magical ideas to ...

Exclusive: All aboard! Paddington duo Paul King and David Heyman are teaming up on “magical love story” Time’s Fool for Fox Searchlight.

King is developing and will direct the feature, which is an adaptation of Glyn Maxwell’s novel-length poem Time’s Fool: A Tale In Verse, about a young man who is cursed to ride a train for eternity, except for one night every seven years when the train pulls into his home town and he has a few hours to unravel the nature of his entrapment.

Screenplay is being written by King and Jon Croker (The Woman In Black 2: Angel Of Death) who will both produce alongside Paddington and Harry Potter series producer Heyman. UK scribe Croker was part of the writing team on both Paddington films.

On publication in 2001, British writer Maxwell’s nostalgic verse poem Time’s Fool drew comparison to supernatural classics such...