Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is set to bring Zac Gorman’s beloved middle-grade fantasy book series, "Thisby Thestoop," to the cinematic world, with Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman attached to pen the screenplay. The studio has officially optioned the rights to the HarperCollins published series, marking a significant move to expand its animated feature film slate with a property lauded for its imaginative world-building and engaging characters.
The project was brought to Warner Bros. by the writing duo Desmond and Sherman, who developed a compelling pitch based on the inaugural book in the series, "Thisby Thestoop and the Black Mountain." This initiative signals a strategic investment by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation in leveraging established intellectual property with a proven track record among young readers and critical circles. The adaptation promises to translate the whimsical yet adventurous spirit of Gorman’s work to a broader audience, capitalizing on the enduring appeal of fantasy narratives in animated cinema.
The Genesis of "Thisby Thestoop"
Zac Gorman, a cartoonist and author hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, first introduced readers to the world of Thisby Thestoop with the publication of the initial novel. The series centers on a young protagonist who holds the unique and challenging role of gamekeeper within a vast, labyrinthine dungeon teeming with an array of fantastical creatures. This premise allows for a narrative rich in adventure, discovery, and the inherent humor that arises from the daily management of such an extraordinary environment. The core of the story revolves around Thisby’s personal journey as she navigates her responsibilities, encountering both peril and wonder within the dungeon’s depths.
The critical reception of the "Thisby Thestoop" series has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring its potential as a film property. The first book, "Thisby Thestoop and the Black Mountain," garnered significant recognition, including being named a Finalist in the Elementary/Middle Grade Speculative Fiction category at the 2018 Cybils Awards. Judges at the time praised the series for its "witty, funny, and full of feeling, with memorable characters," highlighting its strong narrative voice and endearing cast. Further solidifying its standing in the literary world, the series was also selected as a Nominee for the 2021 Washington Library Association Sasquatch Book Award, a testament to its resonance with young readers and educators. These accolades provide a strong foundation for the film adaptation, indicating a built-in audience familiar with and enthusiastic about the characters and world.
The Creative Team Behind the Adaptation
The choice of Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman to write the screenplay is a strategic one, drawing on their established expertise in adapting genre material for the screen. The writing partners have a notable history of bringing compelling stories to life, including their work on the feature film "Knock at the Cabin," an adaptation of Paul Tremblay’s suspenseful novel "The Cabin at the End of the World," which was directed by M. Night Shyamalan for Universal Pictures. Their ability to translate complex narratives and create engaging cinematic experiences is well-documented.
Beyond "Knock at the Cabin," Desmond and Sherman have demonstrated a knack for securing high-profile projects. Their script "Harry’s All-Night Hamburgers" was acquired by Warner Bros. following a competitive bidding war, signaling the studio’s confidence in their storytelling capabilities. Additionally, they have developed a strong portfolio of Black List scripts, including "Orb" and "The Saturday Night Ghost Club," further cementing their reputation as sought-after screenwriters in Hollywood.
Their recent work on major studio productions highlights their current industry relevance. Desmond and Sherman were involved in production rewrites for "Transformers One," directed by Josh Cooley, which was released in September 2024. They are currently engaged in several other significant adaptation projects. These include their novella "The Time Runner," with Wes Ball slated to direct, and the novel "Wilderness Reform," which is being developed for Paramount with director Josh Ruben. This extensive and diverse portfolio showcases their versatility and experience in navigating the demands of large-scale film production, making them well-equipped to tackle the fantasy-adventure genre of "Thisby Thestoop."
Zac Gorman’s Illustrious Career
Zac Gorman’s background as a cartoonist and storyboard artist provides a unique perspective that is expected to inform the visual and narrative translation of his "Thisby Thestoop" series. His credits include significant contributions to critically acclaimed animated series. He served as a storyboard artist on the Emmy Award-winning series "Over the Garden Wall," a show celebrated for its distinctive art style and atmospheric storytelling. Furthermore, Gorman received an Annie Award nomination for his character design work on "Welcome to the Wayne," another animated series known for its creative character concepts.
Gorman’s creative footprint also extends to the world of comic books. He was the inaugural writer for the New York Times bestselling comic series "Rick and Morty," published by Oni Press. This experience in crafting compelling narratives for established franchises demonstrates his ability to work within existing universes and appeal to a broad fan base. His multifaceted career, spanning animation and comics, suggests a deep understanding of visual storytelling and character development, qualities that are essential for a successful book-to-film adaptation.
The Implication for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
The acquisition of the "Thisby Thestoop" rights represents a strategic expansion for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, particularly within the lucrative and consistently popular middle-grade fantasy genre. The success of animated films based on children’s literature, such as those from Disney and DreamWorks Animation, highlights the significant market potential for well-executed adaptations. By securing a property with existing literary acclaim and a dedicated readership, Warner Bros. is positioning itself to tap into this market with a fresh and engaging narrative.
The studio’s recent strategic shifts and investments in animated content indicate a renewed focus on building a robust slate of family-friendly features. The "Thisby Thestoop" adaptation aligns with this objective, offering a story that is inherently visual, character-driven, and filled with the elements that appeal to a global audience. The involvement of experienced writers like Desmond and Sherman, coupled with the original author’s deep connection to the material, suggests a commitment to preserving the essence of the books while translating them effectively for the cinematic medium.
Industry Reactions and Potential Impact
While direct official statements from all parties involved are limited at this early stage of development, the optioning of "Thisby Thestoop" by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is being viewed as a positive development within the animation and publishing industries. For Zac Gorman, this represents a significant opportunity to see his creation reach an even wider audience and gain new dimensions through the art of filmmaking. His background in visual mediums suggests a collaborative spirit that could prove beneficial during the animation process.
The presence of a seasoned writing team like Desmond and Sherman is likely to reassure fans of the book series. Their track record indicates an understanding of how to adapt source material while making it accessible and engaging for a film audience. For Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, this project could serve as a flagship title, potentially launching a new franchise if successful. The fantasy genre continues to be a dominant force in entertainment, and a well-crafted animated film based on a beloved book series has the potential to capture significant box office attention and critical praise.
The broader implication of this acquisition lies in the ongoing trend of studios seeking out established intellectual property with built-in fan bases. In a competitive entertainment landscape, adapting successful books offers a degree of certainty and a foundation for marketing and audience engagement. The "Thisby Thestoop" series, with its positive reviews and award nominations, fits this model perfectly. The success of this adaptation could pave the way for further literary adaptations within Warner Bros.’ animation division, diversifying their offerings and strengthening their position in the animated feature film market. The film’s eventual release will be closely watched for its faithfulness to the source material and its ability to capture the magic that has resonated with readers.
The Road Ahead for "Thisby Thestoop"
The journey from book series to feature film is a complex one, involving script development, pre-production, animation, and post-production. As the project is in its early stages, a definitive timeline for production and release has not yet been announced. However, the active involvement of experienced writers and the commitment from a major studio like Warner Bros. Pictures Animation signal a serious intent to bring "Thisby Thestoop" to the screen. The success of this venture will hinge on the studio’s ability to translate the charm, humor, and adventure of Gorman’s books into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated film that appeals to both existing fans and new audiences. The potential for a rich and expansive cinematic universe based on "Thisby Thestoop" is considerable, given the depth and imaginative scope of the source material.
