R.L. Stine is one of the most popular names in young adult literature, but for whatever reason his work has never made a splash on the big screen. Perhaps because it’s so difficult to capture the tone that lies between horror and kids’ adventure. Though we’ve heard talk of making a film based on his legendary “Goosebumps” series, there’s been little transition for Stine’s work.
That very well could change with this new announcement: According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gotham Group (THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES) has optioned the rights to Stine’s upcoming book IT’S THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL… FOREVER. The production company is currently on the look out for a screenwriter; they’ll approach studios with the project shortly thereafter.
The book, which is set to be released this July, tells the story of 12-year-old Artie, whose second day at his new school is exactly like his first, which just happened to be the worst day of his life. The boy finds himself reliving the same horrible day and must find a way to change his nightmare.
Though that doesn’t sound particularly frightening, the company says the tale combines Stine’s staples of horror and humor… We’ll keep you in the loop as this moves forward.
Rachel Hunter, from the adaptation of Stine’s THE HAUNTED LIGHTHOUSE