Treehouse Pictures has signed on to fully finance and produce an adaptation ofI Kill Giants, withAnders Waltersigning on to direct andChris Columbuscoming aboard to produce. The project is based onJoe KellyandJ.M. Ken Niimura’s graphic novel of the same name. The book won the award for best graphic novel in 2010 by the Young Adult Library Services Association, and it also won the Gold Award at the Fifth International Manga Awards in 2012.
The story centers on a young girl who escapes from her troubled reality into a fantasy world where she has much more power. The project will mark the feature directorial debut ofAnders Walter, who won the Oscar for Best Live Action Short at the 2014 Academy Awards for his film Helium. Here’s what producerChris Columbushad to say about the project in a brief statement.
“Joe Kellyhas written a deeply insightful story about a child using fantasy to navigate through a harsh reality, and I am excited and proud to finally be able to bring this wonderful material to the screen.”
Joe Kellyhad this to say in his own statement about this project coming to life on the big screen.
“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.”
Treehouse Pictures president Justin Nappi had this to say about working withAnders Walterin his statement.
“I am very excited to be working with Chris again. We both feel strongly that Anders has the depth and vision needed to bring the amazing story and characters ofI Kill Giantsto 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.”
Joe Kellywill write the adapted screenplay forI Kill Giants. He is a part of the Man of Action Entertainment collective that is responsible for Cartoon Network’sBen 10and creating the characters of Disney’sBig Hero 6. Production is scheduled to begin later this year, with casting already under way. XYZ Films is handling worldwide sales forI Kill Giants.
