There are few entertainers working today with careers more prominent and versatile thanAndy Serkis. The ever-busy actor-turned-director has only continued to thrive as a performer, notably with his motion-capture work inThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy,King Kong, and thePlanet of the Apesprequels. And now, he’s forging an impressive career behind the camera, notably with this past fall’sVenom: Let There Be Carnageproving that his expanding expertise in CG special effects also extends behind-the-camera. Having previously helmed the motion-capture-heavyNetflixacquisition,Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, Serkis continues to take a keen interest in making big movies on big canvases. Now, followingthe critical and commerical successof his last film, Serkis has secured his latest directorial feature. It was revealed thatthe CG-friendly actor-filmmakerwill directThe Giant’s House, an upcoming adaptation ofElizabeth McCracken’s 1996 celebrated novel, which will be adapted for the big screen by novelist-turned-Oscar-nominated screenwriter,Nick Hornby.
Considered an original and charming romance filled with beauty and whismy,The Giant’s Housefollows Peggy Cort, a young librarian who prefers to spend time reading books than engaged in the company of other people. But when James, a very, very,verytall young man, visits her library, the two will embark on a journey that neither could have predicted. AsDeadlinenotes, casting directorLucy Bevanis on the hunt for a young actor to play James, which suggests that this project might come together sooner rather than later. It’s unclear if the casting team is looking for prominent names for these young lovers or if they are trying to find some relative unknowns. But if the project is currently in the middle of development, we should have a few more updates soon.
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Along with writing the script, Hornby will serve as an executive producer. Additionally,Finola DwyerandAmanda PoseyofWildgaze Filmswill produce the adaptation alongsideJonathan Cavendish, who runsImaginarium Productionsalongside Serkis. Imaginarium also producedMogwli, andthey will produceTaika Waititi’s sports dramedy,Next Goal Wins, which will likely come outsometime this year.
Along withMowgli: Legend of the JungleandVenom: Let There Be Carnage, Serkis helmed 2017’sBreathe, and he’s also busydirecting an animated adaptationofGeorge Orwell’sAnimal Farm, which was announced just last week. Suffice it to say, Serkis keeps himself plenty busy, and that’s not counting his various commitments toStar Wars, theMCU, and now,The Batman, which got its sequel greenlitearlier this week. We should expect to hear more about Serkis' busy directing career in the days ahead.
