These days it seems like all the movies being released are based on a book, is a remake, or just seems like we’ve seen it before. This is true of movies being released for all demographics, children’s books, young adult and adult are all making their way to the big screen. Some of the books chosen really shouldn’t have made it to film, at least not with the changes or cast that were used. On the other hand there are some great books out there that would be fantastic on the big screen if done correctly, and they just don’t seem to be on the radar of the right people. Here are three of the books that I think would be great as movies.
For the graphic novel crowd I offer you Fables. This is an ongoing series published by Vertigo,an imprint of DC Comics. A story with all your favorite fairy tale characters as you have never seen them. Forced to live in our world we see Snow White, Prince Charming, the Big Bad Wolf, and Boy Blue trying to survive in their own secret community in New York. The first in the series is titled Legends in Exile and is an extremely well done murder mystery.
Marc Forster would be my choice to direct. He is known for his work on Finding Neverland and Stranger Than Fiction which show his skill in dealing with themes of blurred reality. As for casting, this is always hard for me. I think that Hugh Jackman would do well as Bigby. It has to be someone that can be convincing as the rugged silent man and occasionally tossing out a great line. I think Rose McGowen, or someone with her style and general look, would do well as Snow White. Though, for most of the roles I would like to see unknown actors, or those just starting out that do not carry memories of strong roles from the past with them. In 2008 there was talk of this movie or a television series being made based on this graphic novel series and it’s characters. However, I have seen no further mention of it actually happening since.
For the chick flick, romance, or pure eye candy viewers I propose J.R. Wards Black Dagger Brotherhoodseries, starting of course with the first novel Dark Lover and perhaps continuing on with more if the movie is done and received well. This novel could do well in the current market, with vampires being the current rage. The series deals with a brotherhood of warrior vampires that fight to defend their community and humans from a society known as ‘Lessers’ that seem to be obsessed with destroying all vampires and taking advantage of humans. Of course there is romance with burly tormented men redeemed only by the love of a strong woman, however there would also be some drama and fantastic fight scenes.
Again, casting would be the hard part. There would need to be at least eight burly, hansom actors including a two that could pass as twins, with a more flexible casting for teen boys and the women. The main problem with casting the me is that they are simply supposed to be very large men. So of course Vin Diesel and the Rock come to mind, but I don’t think that they really fit any of the roles. Some that might work include Mark Wahlberg as Butch and Garrett Hedlund (from Troy) as Rhage and James Marsters as the main Lesser. I think the best bet to fill all the roles would be to go back to the wrestling rings and recruit some of their ranks.
Now for the kids and adults that still love their young adult literature I suggest The Girl With Silver Eyes by Willo Davis Roberts. I loved this book the first time I read it, and it stays in my collection today. The story revolves around a ten year old bespectacled girl that has trouble fitting in. Not only does she have the glasses, silver eyes, is very smart, and the normal issues of a girl that just wants to fit in, but she also has some physic gifts to make life that much more challenging as she rejoins her mother. When a stranger keeps asking questions about her she embarks on a mission to find some answers for herself. I think that everyone has felt separate from the world, and would like on some level to have powers, so it could speak to a wide audience. I would love to see Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) play the main character, even if she is a few years older, because I think she has both the look and skill to pull it off. All the other characters are pretty flexible..
There are some others that I’d like to see done, or am excited to see if they are done right, but since they have been optioned already I didn’t list them. P.C. Cast’s House of Night series has been optioned to be made into a movie, but there is nothing more than that at this point. Janet Evanovich’s One For The Money is into casting mode, which I am watching with both hope and fear to see who is cast. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series has already been released and the Iron Man, X-Man and Batman franchises are all already established. I didn’t feel it would be fair to mention things already done or in the works.
