Studio lines up its next feature.
LAIKA, the animation studio behind ‘Coraline’ and ‘ParaNorman,’ has acquired the rights to Philip Reeve’s children’s fantasy novel ‘Goblins,’ and has tapped Award-winning director Mark Gustafson (‘The PJs,’ Animation Director on ‘The Fantastic Mr. Fox’) to direct the 3D, stop-motion animated adaptation.
Set in an extraordinary world of brilliantly original monsters and magical creatures, the novel tells the story of riotous, ill-mannered, and all-around bloodthirsty goblins who live in the gigantic ruins of Clovenstone Castle, and spend their time mindlessly fighting, looting, and menacing neighbouring villages. Only clever young Skarper understands that an ancient and powerful magic created by a vanquished sorcerer is rising again. Soon giants, cloudmaidens, swamp monsters, treewarriors, rampaging goblins and hapless humans will be swept into a fabulous magical conflict that will determine the fate of their world, and delight discerning audiences of all ages.
In a statement, Reeve said, “I am delighted that LAIKA has optioned Goblins. I love the look and feel that they achieved in films like ‘Coraline’ and ‘Moongirl,’ and I think the studio’s distinctive approach, led by the deft directing hand of Mark Gustafson, will be the perfect way to bring Clovenstone and its goblins to life.”
‘ParaNorman’ creeps its way into Irish cinemas September 14th 2012.