LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – "House" star Hugh Laurie is headed to
Papua New Guinea and New Zealand for a feature adaptation of the best-selling
novel "Mr. Pip."
Andrew Adamson ("Shrek 2") will direct and produce from his adaptation of fellow New Zealander Lloyd Jones' novel.
Shortlisted for Britain's coveted Booker Prize, "Mr. Pip" tells the story of the last white man left on the strife-torn island of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. He reopens a school and reads his favorite novel, "Great Expectations," to the students, inspiring a gifted 14-year-old named Matilda.
The filmmakers plan to begin filming in New Zealand and on location on Bougainville in May. The New Zealand government is among the financial backers.
"I read 'Mr. Pip' on a transatlantic flight and, by the time of landing, knew I would make this film," said Adamson, who first optioned the film rights.
Added Laurie: "From the first words of the novel, and the first image of the screenplay, I was hooked on 'Mr. Pip.' It's an immensely touching, unique, yet completely unsentimental story of love. It is unlike any script I have read, or any story I have ever heard. Plus I get to go to Papua New Guinea and call it work. I am a very lucky man."
Adamson most recently co-wrote and directed the first two installments in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series. He is currently directing and producing a 3D Cirque du Soleil project. Laurie is currently in theaters as part of the voice cast for the animated film "Hop."
Andrew Adamson ("Shrek 2") will direct and produce from his adaptation of fellow New Zealander Lloyd Jones' novel.
Shortlisted for Britain's coveted Booker Prize, "Mr. Pip" tells the story of the last white man left on the strife-torn island of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. He reopens a school and reads his favorite novel, "Great Expectations," to the students, inspiring a gifted 14-year-old named Matilda.
The filmmakers plan to begin filming in New Zealand and on location on Bougainville in May. The New Zealand government is among the financial backers.
"I read 'Mr. Pip' on a transatlantic flight and, by the time of landing, knew I would make this film," said Adamson, who first optioned the film rights.
Added Laurie: "From the first words of the novel, and the first image of the screenplay, I was hooked on 'Mr. Pip.' It's an immensely touching, unique, yet completely unsentimental story of love. It is unlike any script I have read, or any story I have ever heard. Plus I get to go to Papua New Guinea and call it work. I am a very lucky man."
Adamson most recently co-wrote and directed the first two installments in the "Chronicles of Narnia" series. He is currently directing and producing a 3D Cirque du Soleil project. Laurie is currently in theaters as part of the voice cast for the animated film "Hop."
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