Walden Media, Fox 2000 and the Jim Henson Co. are joining forces to adapt illustrator-writer Edward Gorey’s classic tale The Doubtful Guest. Brad Peyton will direct the live-action feature, with a script written by Matthew Huffman.
Gorey, who died in 2000 at age 75, was an artist and writer known for his macabre bent, with works that had an ominous and somewhat Victorian air.
Originally published in 1957, the whimsical story revolves around a quirky family whose life is turned upside down when a mysterious, mischievous creature arrives unannounced and unwelcome, bringing trouble with him and wreaking havoc.
Producing are the Jim Henson Co. co-CEOs Lisa Henson and Brian Henson and senior vp feature films Jason Lust. The film will be released by 20th Century Fox and Walden Media through their Fox Walden.
Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is working on the creature creation, aiming to stay faithful to Gorey’s look but giving him expression and the ability to be articulated as a character. The producers intend to augment the animatronics with plenty of CGI.
