Jumanji Tops Domestic Box Office, Insidious Opens in Second Place

Jumanji Author Signs Production Deal with 20th Century Fox

February 2, 2018

Chris Van Allsburg, author of children’s book Jumanji, has signed a production deal with 20th Century Fox alongside his producing partners William Teitler, Ted Field and Mike Weber, Deadline reports. Plans are to adapt the Hans Christian Andersen Award-nominated novelist’s other work to the big screen, serving as future tentpole movies in Fox’s film line-up.

With the latest film adaption Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle grossing $824 million worldwide, this move makes perfect sense for both parties looking to carve a good-sized chunk in the lucrative family-friendly fantasy genre. Allsburg’s other work has already been adapted by Hollywood prior to the 2017 Jumanji flick, with The Polar Express in 2004 and Zathura: A Space Adventure in 2005.

Fox executive Matt Reilly managed the deal, which apparently was quick and easy, as the opportunities for hit franchises made themselves obvious across the 15 Van Allsburg books presented with pitches during negotiations.

Teitler was quoted by Deadline saying, “We look forward, in concert with Fox, to bringing together writers and directors to adapt and translate his work into the medium of film and think this will be an exciting magnet for the entire creative community.”

A sequel for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle should be expected with the numbers it’s put up in the box office. This deal points toward a future filled with more rip-roaring adventures that kids and adults alike can look forward to.