THE NEVERENDING STORY Is Being Adapted as a Series of New Live-Action Films
The Neverending Story fantasy adventure is being rebooted as a new series of live-action films. The film will be based on the book written by Michael Ende, which was first published in 1979. That book was later adapted into a film in 1984 written and directed by Wolfgang Peterson. That original film is one of my favorites from when I was a kid, and it traumatized kids all over the world!
The Neverending Story holds a special place in my heart, and while part of me is a little curious to see how this series of new films will turn out, a part of me is also saying, “Please don’t!” This is just one of those stories that means a lot to me and I would hate for anything to be made that doesn’t capture the spirit of that original movie.
The Neverending Story begins in an old bookstore, “where a young Bastian Balthasar Bux discovers the mysterious eponymous book. Instantly hooked, he reads about the heroic Atréyu and his dangerous mission to save the realm of Fantastica and its ruler, the Childlike Empress, from being erased by The Nothing, a force of total oblivion. Bastian soon realizes that he is more than an uninvolved spectator and ultimately finds himself transported into Fantastica. On his many adventures, he must find his way back out of Fantastica, back to the people he loves and back to himself. But how do you leave a world without borders?”
The films are being developed and produced by Michael Ende Productions and Oscar-winning See-Saw Films. The partners were granted the rights to Ende’s enduring novel by the author’s executor, Wolf-Dieter von Gronau.
Producers Iain Canning and Emile Sherman said in a statement: “The Neverending Story is a beloved book that has captured the imagination of generations of fans all over the world. Bringing literary worlds to screen is part of See-Saw’s DNA, and we are passionate about cinematic storytelling and entertaining audiences. We have such love for the book and are honored to be working with Michael Ende Productions on this collaboration to bring audiences back to Fantastica.”
Producer Roman Hocke added: “The Neverending Story is more than just a story. It is THE story of all stories, because it tells us, alongside the breathtaking journey of Atréju and Bastian in a fantasy world, the real reason why stories play such an important role in our lives that we want to internalize them in all shapes and forms throughout our lives. Without stories, there would be no individuality, no personalities, no sense of meaning in the world. We want to transform this unique story into a great cinematic work of art for a wide audience. We feel lucky to have See-Saw Films by our side for this great task!”
Whatever they have planned for this, I just hope they bring in the best creative team possible to bring this story to life! The need to make this a great and epic series of films!
What do you think about The Neverending Story being adapted into a new series of movies?
Source: Deadline