Is there anything left for the “young adult” set after vampires, werewolves, wizardry and seemingly every other subject has been tackled? How about exorcism?
Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are evidently planning to adapt Joseph Delaney’s young adult series THE LAST APPRENTICE (aka “The Wardstone Chronicles”, which is the original UK title), which focuses on a young exorcist in the 1700s. The film has been in the works since 2008, with Kevin Lima (ENCHANTED) attached to direct… After three years of development, it would appear as though the first film is gaining steam.
According to NY Magazine’s Vulture Blog, Alex Pettyfer (I AM NUMBER FOUR) is close to signing on to play the lead role. Furthermore, current Oscar nominees Jeff Bridges and Jennifer Lawrence (WINTER’S BONE) are also being courted; Bridges is being offered the part of the exorcist to whom Pettyfer would be apprenticed, and Lawrence that of a suspected witch.
Here’s the synopsis for the first book in the series, titled THE SPOOK’S APPRENTICE (the “spook” in this case being the demon-fighter.):
For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over?
Many apprentices have tried… Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope.
But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County?
Always up for a good demon-slayer yarn, although as usual I’m worried that this will be aimed at teenagers and lack real bite. (Not that there’s anything wrong with targeting teenagers; I’m just being selfish in this case.)
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