Harry Potter and Edward Cullen better watch their backs, there's a new fantasy man in town. Lorenzo di Bonaventura, the producer of 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' and 'G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,' has secured the rights to adapt Michael Scott's six-part book series, 'The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel,' into what could be Hollywood's next big fantasy franchise, Variety reports.
Di Bonaventura is no stranger to supernatural success stories; as production president at Warner Bros., he was integral to the genesis of the 'Harry Potter' series, ushering the first two movies into production before leaving the company three years later to take up a producing deal at Paramount.
The books are centered around Nicholas Flamel, a real-life French alchemist who was born in 1330 and was rumored to have pursued the secret to immortality through his work on the philosopher's stone -- a tale that inspired J.K. Rowling to feature him in her first book (and subsequent film) 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.' The books' other protagonists are 15-year-old twins Sophie and Josh Newman, who travel around the world with Flamel in search of adventure.
Scott's series is published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House, with three of the six ('The Alchemyst,' 'The Magician' and 'The Sorceress') already released in 37 countries and 20 languages. A fourth book, 'The Necromancer,' will be published in May.
New Line originally acquired the rights to the 'Flamel' series in 2006 but were forced to make them available again following the studio's downsizing last year. Di Bonaventura's next picture is the upcoming spy thriller 'Salt,' starring Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber.
Will Flamel and his teenage sidekicks have the juice to challenge 'Twilight' and 'Harry Potter' at the box office? Give us your thoughts below.
Reader Comments (6)
David R at 10:44PM on Nov 19th 2009
Never wil this b any better than harry potter, neither wil twilight. TWILIGHT SUX!!! POTTER RULEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
William Dunigan at 6:39AM on Nov 21st 2009
Once again: Greetings to one and all:
As we’re getting closer and closer to Christmas, many throughout the entire world are preparing, making sure that all of the presents that should have been bought, wrapped, and placed under the tree, has been taken care of, and that not even one present has been forgotten.
Of course we know that this is just, most especially, the American way. Also the same is happening in different parts of the world as well, as all will know. Which, also is the way that it should be…I personally feel with people doing this, that is, showing love to others, is something that is very pleasing to our Lord, Jesus.
Something that would please him far better would be…that we don’t leave Him out of our celebrating of his birthday. For this is really what Christmas is all about, you know.
Then, we all know just how hard it is for people stay in balance. Seems that most people have a very difficult time with this. Seems that most go overboard, with just at times, getting one part of a whole situation centered within their mind (it sometimes being the miner part of the whole) with them then, loosing sight of major part.
If we have enough people do this, which we often do, not only about Christmas but life in general, we end up with a lop sided world to live within. I know all do not see all of this as I do, for we each have our own way of viewing this world and its situation. Even so, if we look back at past history, or things that have been brought about in days gone by and, still much of it happening within our day and time…by people completely out of balance, having no feeling whatsoever for their fellowman, this should tell us something, even if nothing else does, or regardless of whether anything else does, or ever will.
Much love,
William Dunigan
Your brother in Christ Jesus, who is both our Lord, and Savior.
www.eloquentbooks.com/BeyondTheGoldenSunsetAndByTheCrystalSea.html
Ge0rGe at 2:04AM on Nov 25th 2009
ok...i'm just going to ingnore the post above me ( i'm really getting sick of that crap) anywhoo i think that if the producers make a good job this could be as good ( if not better) than Harry Potter, about twilight lets just say that i prefer to listen to the jesus freak that going to see a movie from twilight saga, they make vampire look like little girls "look mum i become frosty if the light hit me" i'm full of glitter HAHAHA i mean c'mon -___- i really luv the books of Mr Scott! and i hope that the movies reflect at least a part of what the books are! (not like the last movie from Harry Potter 6 oh i mean howarts 90210, i mean, like Really did you forget to read the book or something?!?!
i cant wait for the Necromancer and for the movies! YAAAY!
(sorry for the horrible english i'm from venezuela >_>) but still U_U
Sami at 5:23AM on Nov 25th 2009
I'm not too sure. The Flamel series hasn't been a phenomenon like Harry Potter and Twilight and that was a major factor in their popularity.
So who knows?
Sharon at 2:46PM on Nov 25th 2009
Yes!!! it will!!!!!! ::D:D:D:D I dont think they cud get anyone that will be hotter then rob pat but at least this movie will have better actors then K. Stew!! :P lol what a joke! :P and that jessica one who looks directly at the camera in the twilight movie!! :P LOL I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS MOVIE!!:D
phillander at 9:24AM on Dec 7th 2009
I think the key for this film to success is just like Twilight, which is a right person to be the character