The name is Blomkvist. Mikael Blomkvist. Rumors that Daniel Craig--best known as the latest James Bond--was in talks to star in the English-language version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Shelf Awareness, July 22, 2010) have proven to be true. Deadline.com reported that Craig has closed a deal to appear in the adaptation of Stieg Larsson's first novel that also "factors in options for two sequels based on The Girl Who Played with Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest."
Casting for the Lisbeth Sander role is still underway, with candidates including Ellen Page, Mia Wasikowska, Emily Browning, Sara Snook, Rooney Mara and Sophie Lowe. Sony has set a release date of December 21, 2011.
---
David and Scott Hillenbrand (Transylmania, National Lampoon's Dorm Daze franchise) have signed a deal to create a film series adapted from the bestselling Deadtime Stories by A.G. Cascone (aka the "twisted sisters" Annette and Gina Cascone), who will also write the screenplays.
"We are delighted to be working with Annette and Gina on this wonderfully fun and spooky series," noted the Hillenbrands in a statement. "They have really captured the voice of the 'tween set, and the cinematic style of their bestselling books will make for some great films for the entire family."
Principal photography is slated to begin this September on the first film in the series. Plans call for branding the book series across multiple platforms and media in coordination with the relaunch of the books in both physical and digital formats.