Universal acquires "Simon Bloom: The Gravity Keeper"

By Karl Schneider     February 02, 2007
Source: Hollywood Reporter

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Universal won a recent bidding war for the children's fantasy script titled: Simon Bloom: The Gravity Keeper.  The studio is planning to make the film a live action adaptation with Gary Ross directing.

The script, written by first time novelist Michael Reisman, follows an 11-year-old boy and his two friends who get possession of a physics book that enables them to alter the physical properties of the world, including gravity. The book describes a magical world based on physical laws of science, and future installments will incorporate other sciences, such as biology and chemistry.

"We really like that it's about a magical world that doesn't involve wizards or things like that," said producer Allison Thomas.  "Science is the magic of the story. The kids are learning the laws of physics so they can break them. It's like a new kind of superhero movie."


KJ's Take:  Going from what Thomas said, I do think it's a good thing that the film will be a different type of fantasy.  But at the same time, I can't help but feel that the story sounds a bit boring?  Considering the script snagged seven figures, it must be quite the opposite.  All in all I think it is something I will look forward to.