Lowis Lowry, writer of such classic books as The Giver and Number the Stars, has recently written in her blog that the film The Giver has been postponed by several years because of David Yates’s commitment to finish off the Harry Potter franchise:
Bad news from The Giver Movie front. David Yates, the director currently working on the next Harry Potter film, was supposed to begin The Giver film next. But he has just decided he wants to do the final Harry Potter first, thereby postponing The Giver by several years. Maybe the opening of this film could be held simultaneously with my celebration-of-life service after I succumb to old age? Or the producers will decide to get a different director. Stand by. But without holding your breath.
The Giver has been one of my favorite books since I read it in 8th grade (however many years ago THAT was!), and have been waiting–somewhat patiently–for the film version to come out. In fact, as a writer myself, me and a fellow writer friend actually considered writing the screenplay on spec before we found out that Warner Bros. had already optioned the property and put the project into development.
However, now that Yates is knee deep in bubotuber puss and Felix Felicis (gotta be a HP fan to know what those are!), we’ll have to wait even longer for Jonas & Co. to come to the Silver Screen. The Giver was originally slated for release in 2011, but now that Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is scheduled for May 2011, David won’t have time to work on both projects to keep the release date.
Personally, I think he needs to give Giver up so that we will be able to see it sooner. Actually, another HP director alum would be a perfect fit for this kind of movie: Christopher Columbus. Maybe he should take a look at the book… he doesn’t seem to have anything (good) on his plate at the moment!
