HAROLD AND THE PURPLE CRAYON being Adapted for Animated Film
This seems like it should be a cool movie project to bring the memories flooding back for most of you that grew up on this classic children's book Harold and the Purple Crayon. Personally I'm excited for this movie! Where the Wild Things Are was one of my favorite movies last year and it just shows you that these kinds of short simple stories can be turned into something beautiful for film. In fact the author of Where the Wild things are Maurice Sendak is producing this new film which was written by his protege Crockett Johnson, who I'm sure will also be involved with the project in some capacity.
Will Smith is producing the project through his production company Overbook Entertainment, and the film will be developed under Sony Pictures Animation.
Pajiba reports that the movie doesn't look like it will be one of those live-action hybrid films that we are getting a lot of these days, this will be a full on animated project, but it's not clear if it will be CGI or traditional animation. I assume they'll go with CG.
Josh Klausner (Date Night, Shrek the Third) has been hired to re-write a script that was priviously written by Michael Tolkin (Nine and Changing Lanes). I gotta be honest and say I'm not too thriller about Klausner writting the script due to the fact that he's not a very good writer, judging by his previous work.
Apparently the tone of the film will be similar to that of the classic 80's kids film A Neverending Story. That sparks some positivity! I loved that film growing up.
The film will follow Harold, who uses his magic purple crayon to retreat into his own fantasy world, but soon realizes that he’s been selfish with his crayon and so uses it to decide to help his parents and others, and even go on a mission to Mars.
Here's a description of the book:
One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path...
And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in all of children's books. The creative concept behind this beloved story has intrigued children and kept them absorbed for generations, as page by page unfolds the dramatic and clever adventures of Harold and his purple crayon.
No director has been brought in yet, but this is a project that I'm definitely excited to see brought to life.
What are your thoughts on Harold and the Purple Crayon being brought to life on the big screen?