Gary Ross Drops ‘Houdini’, Will Direct ‘Peter And The Starcatchers’

Most fans were saddened when they learned that Gary Ross would not be directing more Hunger Games films, but they will be pretty excited when they hear about his new project. It was going to be a film about Houdini, but he has actually now dropped out of that one in favor of the Peter Pan Prequel, ‘Peter and The Starcatchers.’

The film, which will be produced by Disney, based off the book by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson tells the story of a “a young Peter who befriends Molly, a shipmate he meets on the Never Land ship headed towards King Zarboff. Molly tells Peter of a mysterious trunk filled with magical starstuff that must remain out of the hands of the pirate Black Stache (who will lose his hand and become Captain Hook). Together Peter and Molly lead an effort to recover the trunk, which takes them on a treacherous journey.”

The film is currently undergoing a rewrite, but it could start filming some time next year.

Here is the synopsis of the book:

Don’t even think of starting this book unless you’re sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time. A fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventure awaits as the young orphan Peter and his mates are dispatched to an island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They set sail aboard the NeverLand, a ship carrying a precious and mysterious trunk in its cargo hold, and the journey quickly becomes fraught with excitement and danger.

Discover richly developed characters in the sweet but sophisticated Molly, the scary but familiar Black Stache, and the fearless Peter. Treacherous battles with pirates, foreboding thunderstorms at sea, and evocative writing immerses the reader in a story that slowly and finally reveals the secrets and mysteries of the beloved Peter Pan.

Source: COllider