Tim Burton scribe John August to adapt Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Almost a year ago we caught wind that writers Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton (FEAST, SAW 3D: THE FINAL CHAPTER) would be scripting a feature film adaptation of "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark." Mum's been the word ever since, and it seems whatever those two concocted will never see the light of day.  Now, frequent Tim Burton collaborator John August (FRANKENWEENIE, BIG FISH) is reportedly going back to the source material to write up his version of SCARY STORIES.

Anyone who grew up in the 80s or 90s should recognize these illustrations by Stephen Gammell that undoubtedly provided an endless supply of nightmare fuel. The three books collected classic folklore and haunted tales and were then filtered through the mind of Alvin Schwartz. Coupled with Gammell's art, these horrific "children's" tales had no equal. John August seems like the perfect choice to script a film adaptation of these classic stories and I only ask that he (and whoever's chosen to direct) doesn't shy away from the dark stuff. After all, that's why we remember these tales so fondly, no?