Vertigo Films and Novel Entertainment will produce a 3D live-action movie based on Francesca Simon’s bestselling Horrid Henry children’s chapter book series, which is published by Sourcebooks in the U.S. Nick Moore (Wild Child) will direct. Casting has begun, with filming scheduled to take place during October and November this year. The film will be shot on location in the U.K., and is slated for release in 2011.
Lucinda Whiteley, co-producer for Novel Entertainment and the movie's screenwriter, said, "We’re delighted to be bringing Henry to life, in the truest sense of the word--for so many kids Henry already exists, but seeing him up on the big screen gives them the chance to meet their hero face to face."
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Animation director David Bowers will direct the live action sequel Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Roderick Rules, based on the book series by Jeff Kinney (Fox 2000 has mysteriously added an "e" to Rodrick's name). The cast again includes Zachary Gordon, Steve Zahn and Rachael Harris. According to the Hollywood Reporter, "Fox 2000 is moving fast on the sequel, hoping to capitalize on the slow-burn success of the first movie, which opened March 19 and went on to gross almost $64 million domestically. The movie was made for a modest $15 million and Fox 2000 is making the sequel for the same amount."
Bowers takes over the director's chair from Thor Freudenthal, who helmed the first movie but chose not to return.
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Matt Damon is in talks for the lead role in Cameron Crowe's film We Bought a Zoo, adapted from a memoir by Benjamin Mee. The Hollywood Reporter wrote that the movie "would mark a departure for Damon, who tends to make more dramatic or action-oriented thriller. Zoo, with its blend of animals and heartstrings, may occupy similar terrain to Fox's 2008 Marley & Me. And with the input of Crowe, making his first movie since 2005's Elizabethtown, the movie could end up juggling light moments with drama like the helmer's Jerry Maguire."