ZooeyDeschanelis the newest name being drawn for the upcomingHarold and the Purple Crayonfilm adaptations, according toThe Hollywood Reporter, Deschanel joinsZachary LeviandLil Rel Howeryin undisclosed roles. The film is said to be live-action, following the trend of adapting children’s books to the screen which feature CGI characters alongside human actors. Recent adaptations includeClifford the Big Red Dog, the much-belovedPaddingtonfranchise,Peter Rabbit.
The film will follow the story ofCrockett Johnson’s 1955 children’s book. The classic book centers on the titular Harold, who uses his magic purple crayon to create a world of his own. Harold and his ability to draw things into reality became an instant hit with readers and spawned six more books in the series.David GuionandMichael Handelmanare credited as the film’s scriptwriters with Academy Award-nominated directorCarlos Saldanhaset to direct. Guion and Handelman previously worked together onDinner for SchmucksandNight at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.
This isn’t the series’ first attempt at adaptation. The beloved book was previously turned into a 13-episode television series for HBO, adapted by Adelaide Productions. The series was narrated bySharon Stoneand featuredConnor Matheusas the voice of Harold. The most successful of the adaptions to date, the animated show won a Daytime Emmy Award for Main Title Design and was nominated for an Annie Award.
RELATED:‘New Girl’: Zooey Deschanel, Hannah Simone, Lamorne Morris to Host Rewatch PodcastThe book’s film adaption history is a little more complicated, with plans dating back to 2009 whenSpike Jonzehad plans to direct and produce his version. The project was abandoned and changed hands many times, jumping fromSteven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment toWill Smith’s Overbook Entertainment and eventually landing in the hands of Columbia Pictures. Guion and Handelman replace previous screenwritersDallas ClaytonandJosh Klausner. Josh Davisproduces under his Davis Entertainment banner.
Deschanel is best known for her role as Jess in Fox sitcomNew Girlfor which she earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and three Golden Globe Awards. She is also known for her appearances in films(500) Days of Summer,Elf, andHitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Deschanel received a 2011 Grammy nomination for her song ‘So Long’ featured on theWinnie the Poohsoundtrack.
With a confident growing cast, this adaption ofHarold and the Purple Crayonis sure to be hit with both children and parents alike. Like the many children adaptations happening at the moment, the film will find its way its fanbase with new readers and nostalgic fans.
