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THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Set Visit Preview and 4 Awesome New Posters!Warner Brothers Acquires A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES
by Phil Brown Posted:July 21st, 2011 at 3:10 pm
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With the final Harry Potter movie continuing to slaughter records at the box office and the shirtless circus known as the Twilight series set to wrap up within the next twelve months, the search is on for the next big fantasy film franchise. Having franchise on your production slate that guarantees an annual billion dollar box office/DVD gross looks pretty damn good to studio execs, so they’re constantly on the look out for the next film series that will make magic-loving tweens squeal with delight. That’s why Warner Brothers acquired the screen rights to Deborah Harkness’ debut novel A Discovery Of Witches today. The book is the first part of a trilogy that features witches, vampires, and swooning. In other words, there are a few Warner Brothers execs in an office somewhere salivating over projected box office grosses right now. Hit the jump for more info on the potential franchise.
According to Deadline first-time novelist and academic Deborah Harkness may have hit the jackpot with A Discovery Of Witches, which was purchased by Warner Brothers today for an unknown sum. The plot seems custom made to appeal to a Harry Potter and Twilight-starved audience. It revolves around a witch (a descendant from Salem during the good ole days of witch trials) who discovers both a 1,500 year old hunk of a vampire love interest and a manuscript that could kick off a war between the supernatural creatures of the world. Without having read the book it certainly sounds like Twilight + Harry Potter and I think we can assume that will = $$.
Producers Denise Di Novi (Edward Scissorhands) and Allison Greenspan (The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants) are already attached, so it seems as though Warner Brothers is taking this project pretty seriously. Admittedly, so many films go into development without ever being made that you can never assume anything, but given the fantasy franchise potential of this book and trilogy, we can pretty well assume that it’s going to happen. You can’t really manufacture a phenomenon though, so unless the A Discovery Of Witches suddenly gains the mass appeal that the Harry Potter and Twilight franchises had long before the films were made, there’s absolutely no guarantee that this won’t be the next Golden Compass or I Am Number Four. Only time will tell…
Here’s the official synopsis for Harkness’ novel:
Deep in the stacks of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell. [Amazon]
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Dear Warner Bros.,
Please use a British cast and the same, or very similar to, the producer/director team on the “HPotter”films, or even, the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. This book and subsequent film SHOULD NOT be equated to the “Twilight” films, in any way!! “DISCOVERY” should not be aimed at the adults who thought Twilight was great.
Though I realize you are ultimately and entertainment BUSINESS,
please allow this great and rather original story to include the large group of people who READ a book, then want to VIEW a
SUPERB MOVIE about it. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely, Victoria
I agree with Victoria – This has the potential to be a great film, but it definitely needs to be for grown-ups. It’s a fun read, but also contains the themes of academia, modern scientific research, and wine-tasting! These things make “Discovery” more sophisticated than Twilight or Harry Potter.
That being said, I can hardly wait to see this movie, and hopefully sequels!
I wholeheartedly agree. This book is about mature people. Please Please Please don’t cast 20somethings or even early 30somethings into lead roles. They need to be intellectual, mature, and real with mystery attached. This book was amazing…. Don’t slaughter it Hollywood!!! I know this could make a fantastic movie!!!
20somethings and 30somethings are just fine for the cast.
They should absolutely cast 30-somethings. Matthew is supposed to be in a 37 year-old-body. And I’m pretty sure Diana was born in 1976 so she would also be in her mid-30′s. If you want them to stay true to the book, then they should, of course, cast 30-somethings.
I just finished the book and loved it! It is absolute more than Twilight and HP! I have read both series. I think if done correctly it could be a GREAT Movie. Please take the time to do it “write”…with the casting as well. Please don’t disappoint. Matthew is handsome, dark (sinister), charismatic, etc. And Diana is a smart, strong, independent woman! and more.
hi there i thought that A Discovery Of Withces is a great book it is in its own class and when they do make a movie i believe that they should use a good cast i was thinking that Rachel McAdams would be a good pick for Diana and even Ryan Gosling would be good for a Mathew but Ryan might not be tall enough lol well those are my thoughts on the matter thanks for the chance to state my opinion
DM
Dear Might Filmmakers:
Please do not butcher this wonderful story. It’s unique and great and definitely not for tweens, teens, and the shallow. I will be expecting so much.
Best regards,
WM
Yes, how about Luc Besson to write, direct and produce the screenplay of this movie.
The book is wonderful. Please try and get people who can act as well.
The book is nothing like twilight or HP for that matter. It is rather intelligent & does not contain packs of whinging ungrateful teenagers.
I agree with all above, with the exception that Diana is American in the book and should be portrayed so in the film. But PLEASE, PLEASE do not butcher this movie as requested above, too must going on…And i also agree that this is more than HP or Twilight, so much more…
Well said everyone, thanks for relaying my own sentiments!!!
Denise
I just finished ready A Discovery of Witches, and while I do agree that it is a good book, I don’t agree that’s it’s nothing like Twilight. It’s Twilight for grown ups. There are so many things in common. Diana is an athletic Bella and Matthew is a more confident Edward. Yes, they are not the mopey teens, but like I said, the grown up version. Star crossed lovers, girl meets handsome vampire, he’s afraid to get too close or he’ll suck her dry, he has to protect her, she get’s kidnapped, he has to save her, they get married, a potential war is starting based on their relationship and now a possible baby too.
nice summary, just ruin the ending
Yes it does have the whole love between woman and vampire. BUT Diana is more then an athletic bella she is also a badass witch even if she is just discovering that. And she too is a danger to matthew they are both scared of hurting each other. Basically what i’m getting at is that yes there a little similarites. But you can fine that in a lot of movies. There are a whole lot of differences also. And i believe that Discovery of Witches is not the same as twilight series it is a must read and i’m cant wait to see this movie.
I’m curious to see who they get to play the roles. i hope they choose wisely cause Diana is a strong independent woman. And i hope they can betray that. I’ve seen them mess up with the chosing of characters, i.e. twilight- kristen stewart is not a good bella she seems too strong for the role when she should be fragile. Please dont to that to this one it deserves more respect then that.
I like Michael Fasbsender as Matthew
This would be a fabulous movies, but I agree about its a more mature cast required 20 somethings just don’t cut it in the lead roles for this story they need to have the age and experience.
This is my favorite book by far. I have heard that it’s a lot like Twilight but…I hated those movies. Bella was lame, the acting was lame and i really didn’t like them. When I read this book, I immediately was attached to it. I wanted to drink the wine they had (and went to the store to get some) The feelings of protection and her not caving in everytime he told her to do something. I think this movie could be awesome but it does need to be played by the right characters. On Facebook, on the book site, many people think Matthew Goode would make a good Matthew. Jennifer Love Hewitt could be a good Diana I think too. But we must not forget accents!
I finished thr book twice and listened on audio too! I am thorouly “enxhanted” you might say and “ditto.” I’d like to see a somewhat youger version of Micael Nourieve (Enlish axent, yes). If tje man does not fit tje pjysical description it is nixed. I agee with female lead of JLH, but I think a slightlr bigger SJParker or Madonna could pull it off too. I love you guys! You are also smart intell…s.
Sent ,?.
I like the idea of Sarah Jessica Parker! She has the witchy pointed chin that was described in the book. She is athletic AND intelligent! Great idea!
I agree with above. This film should not be made with Twilight fans in mind. The characters Matthew and Diana should be played by actors that are in their mid to late 30′s or even 40. Diana is not a kid, she is a very intelligent woman well into her career. The literary and historical references should also remain since they are vital to the story and character development. Please don’t make this a un-intelligent, fuzzy movie just so 16 year olds will moon over Matthew.
Henry Cavill and jennifer love Hewitt Would be perfect. Love the both of them.
Uh.. Jennifer Love Hewitt for Juliette maaybe…. Don’t forget that Diana is primarily blond. Even though its kinda “rainbow” hair. Also the actor I think for matthiew should be someone who is french who learned english with an english accent. That way he sounds as he should later on when there is more french being spoken and his oxford accent starts to fade a bit. I know that is getting specific..but that is a part of what makes Matthew, Matthew. I think it should stay away from main stream actors for this one and definitely keep the authenticity of having british and american actors where they should be in this. Even though I said no main stream actors… I do sort of think Kate Hudson (in my mind anyways) looks Diana ish.
Gilles Marini for Matthew!
Oh I cant wait! I loved the book, and I am on pins and needles waiting for Shadow Of Night!
I would prefer to see some no name actors. I always find it hard to seperate actors from their previous roles, and if this movie is done right, it will be epic! And yes I agree with Amy Kelly, keep the accents
I think Sam Witwer would make a great Matthew and Diane Kruger a wonderful Diana.
Don’t let this be like twilight, This trilogy has so much potential, Yes it’s a vampire romance but it has so much potential for great storytelling and at it’s core it is a fantasy epic of unmatched proportions I must say that I cannot wait for the movie.
I just started reading the book and I’m hooked!!! I think another book series that would do good is one called “wicked”. It’s kinda like twilight meets charmed. 2 families fighting for ultimate power. There’s a family of evil warlocks( a dad and his 2 sons) trying to steal power from another family ( a girl who’s parents died in a rafting accident who goes to live with her aunt and 2 girl cousins). One of the brothers starts to fall for the girl who lost her parents. It’s pretty interesting book
Please do not butcher this book and make it for teens. on another not I alwas pictured Henry Cavill as Matthew.
Dear Hollywood,
Please don’t screw this up. Believe it or not there are people who are ADULTS who go to the movies. How about going back to making movies and not making “product” designed and whitewashed for a specific demographic.
Not everybody is cute, white and under 30. How about trying some maturity and diversity for a change?
The reason the film “The Girl With the Dragon Tatoo” did so well is because the American Audience is starving for SOMETHING not PG-13 and operating at the comic book level.
PLEASE don’t screw this one up…
Richard Armitage as Matthew. He’s perfect. Watch North and South on Netflix til the very end, and you will see Matthew. He’s striking.
tom hardy for matthew and sarah jessica parker as diana. Cant wait for the movie i was so enthralled by the book. Movie must be ricly detailed like in the book, so warner brothers please dont rush this one ,my anticipation is leaving me with goosebumps!
charlize theron would also make a brilliant diana shes very intelligent athletic witty and serious…..a very talented actress!
I am soooo begging WB to not mess this one up. It will be such a huge disappointment but they most likely will, so I am bracing myself to be disappointed.
I definitely do NOT think Diana should be played by either Sarah Jessica Parker or Charlize Theron. Rachel McAdams would be sooo amazing, she is a woman with power and soul, like Diana. It is rumored that it will be Emmy Rossum though. I am not familiar with her acting but she looks a bit like how I picture Diana. My vote is for Rachel McAdams because we KNOW she can act. After a disappointment like Kristen Stewart and frankly the entire cast of Twilight (I think we all agree that the casting was horrible and the “writing” was even worse), WB should look at their mistakes, not their bank accounts, and try to make art with this one. The writing and story deserves it.
Here is my casting:
Diana – Rachel McAdams
Matthew – Gilles Marini
Ysbeau – Cate Blanchet
Sarah – Julie Walters
Miriam – Nadia Bjorlin
That’s what I have so far, haha, not that it matters! I do have to applaud the casting of Hunger Games, well done.
My 2 cents.
<3!
My casting would be:
Diana – Rachel McAdams
Matthew – Gilles Marini
Ysbeau – Cate Blanchet
Sarah – Julie Walters
Miriam – Nadia Bjorlin
That’s what I have so far. I also picture Ryan Gosling when reading about Marcus but don’t think that he would be appropriate to play him.