Raimi Takes On "Wee Free Men"

According to Variety, sci-fi and horror fan favorite Sam Raimi will direct an adaptation of Terry Pratchett's bestselling young-adult novel "The Wee Free Men."

Published in 2003, "The Wee Free Men" is the 30th novel in Terry Pratchett's "Discworld" series and the second "Discworld" book for younger readers. Although primarily written for children this book enjoys a large adult readership. In it, a 9-year-old farm girl heads off to a parallel world to retrieve a brother who has been grabbed by a nasty fairy queen. She battles the monsters of Fairyland with the help of 6-inch-tall blue-faced rowdies who wear kilts, speak in thick Scottish brogues, steal sheep and drink heavily.

Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired the book and set Pamela Pettler (who co-penned Tim Burton's "Corpse Bride") to write the script. Pettler is also writing "9," a CGI fantasy for Focus Features that Burton is producing and is also set to adapt Roald Dahl novel "The Twits" for Disney and Vanguard.

Raimi (one this writer's favorite horror directors) is currently filming "Spider Man 3" and is slated to produce a slew of upcoming films, including "The Grudge 2," a remake of his acclaimed first film "Evil Dead" and myth-based "Monkey's Paw." For the trivia minded out there, Raimi has also starred as an actor in a number of films. Usually appearing in small guest roles, Raimi took a more substantial role - and braved a hilarious canoe stunt - in 1993's "Indian Summer" which starred a great ensemble cast including Bill Paxton, Elizabeth Perkins, Diane Lane, and Kevin Pollak. Check it out. It's almost worth the canoe stunt alone. --Shannon Nolley

Print   |