Neil Gaiman’s (STARDUST, CORALINE) graphic novel version of the Hansel & Gretel story isn’t available until October 28 but already has a movie in the works. Producer Juliet Blake (THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY) acquired the rights to “Hansel and Gretel”, authored by Gaiman and illustrated by Lorenzo Mattotti. Currently the plan is to make a live-action movie; Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake are teaming up to develop the project. I don’t know how many times we need to see a variation of this story but Gaiman seems pretty optimistic that the material still has something to say.
Speaking to Variety Gaiman said:
“For me, retelling Hansel and Gretel was a way of telling an old tale in a way that made it immediate and true, and about us, now. It reminds us of how paper thin civilization really is. It’s about hunger, and about families. . . I’m thrilled and delighted to be working with Juliet Blake to bring Hansel and Gretel to the world again, and to show people how much this story has to say to us.”
Here are some of Mattotti’s great illustrations:
The illustrations won’t be for everyone’s tastes, but that’s art. I think they’re great and couldn’t help but think that an animated version might give us something a little different. While we don’t know how the live-action will be presented when it comes to tone, a stylish animated take on it could present some pretty cool ideas.
Tired story or just needs a new vision?
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