Chris Columbus producing the adaptation…
Danish filmmaker Anders Walter is set to make his feature-length directorial debut with an adaptation of Joe Kelly and J. M. Ken Niimura’s graphic novel ‘I Kill Giants.’
First published in 2008, the series is the coming-of-age story of Barbara Thorson, a fifth grade student battling monsters both real and imagined. Kelly will provide the screenplay.
Chris Columbus (‘Pixels,’ ‘Home Alone,’ ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’) is on board to produce the adaptation through his 1492 Pictures/Ocean Blue Entertainment banner, along with Treehouse Pictures, Kelly’s Man of Action Entertainment and XYZ Films.
“Joe Kelly has written a deeply insightful story about a child using fantasy to navigate through a harsh reality,” said Columbus in a statement, “and I am excited and proud to finally be able to bring this wonderful material to the screen.”
“I am very excited to be working with Chris again,” said Treehouse president Justin Nappi in a statement. “We both feel strongly that Anders has the depth and vision needed to bring the amazing story and characters of ‘I Kill Giants’ to life. As exemplified by his work in ‘Helium’ and ‘9 Meter,’ Anders has a unique understanding of children and their uncanny ability to face life’s most difficult challenges.”
Kelly added, “I’m overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, vision and sheer talent of the team we’ve assembled. Chris and Anders understand the book on an instinctive level and will translate it into a hell of a film. I could not be happier.”