Universal Pictures has emerged from a heated bidding war with the rights to Paul Greengrass‘ adaptation of Stephen King‘s latest bestselling novel Fairy Tale, which had enchanted numerous studios and streamers.
King’s new book explores the very history of storytelling and follows a 17-year-old boy who finds himself wrapped up in a terrifying world where good and evil are at war — a war that could have major implications for our own.
Greengrass will write and direct Fairy Tale, as well as produce alongside Greg Goodman.
Deadline broke the news, noting that it was Greengrass’ longtime relationship with Universal — thanks to the Bourne franchise, United 93, and News of the World — that likely gave that studio a leg up in the negotiations.
Greengrass has called King’s book “a work of genius — a classic adventure story and also a disturbing contemporary allegory,” while King has returned the compliment, saying “I’m a Paul Greengrass fan and think he’s a wonderful choice for this film.”
It’s hard to tell whether Greengrass is the right fit for this project, having not read the novel myself, but the package feels like a solid enough bet on Universal’s part. The British filmmaker is represented by CAA, while King is repped by Rand Holston Management.
