The Weinstein Company is proud to announce that it has acquired rights in all English speaking territories to the CGI animated family film Arthur and the Minimoys, based on Luc Besson‘s best selling children’s book by the same title. The screenplay was adapted by Besson, the award winning writer/director/producer behind such movies as The Fifth Element, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc and La Femme Nikita. Besson is directing the partly live action, featuring Freddie Highmore and Mia Farrow, and partly animated film, with voices by Madonna, Snoop Dogg, and David Bowie. The film is currently in production, being produced by EuropaCorp.
10-year-old Arthur has a lot on his plate: a real estate developer is about to snap up his grandma’s home… and there’s no way Arthur’s going to hang around for his parents or grandparents to sort out the problem. Maybe the solution lies in his grandpa’s treasure, which is hidden somewhere on the “other side” in the land of the Minimoys. The creatures that inhabit this world are just a tenth of an inch tall and live in perfect harmony with their environment.
Arthur ventures into this world of the Minimoys, where he meets Princess Selenia and her brother Betameche. Together they set off to look for the treasure that will save his grandma. An action-packed adventure ensues, full of pitfalls and intrigues, all the way up to the forbidden city ruled by the evil M the Malicious. Arthur’s journey in the Minimoys universe reveals that sometimes the smallest heroes make the biggest difference.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this exciting adventure story to the big screen,” said Harvey Weinstein. “Arthur is an enchanting and heroic tale and will be enjoyed by family audiences everywhere.”
Pierre-Ange stated, “Arthur and the Minimoys is clearly the most ambitious, creative and unique project EuropaCorp has ever produced. Luc Besson has spent 3 1/2 years to create and direct this movie, with the same energy and passion that he provided to The Fifth Element, and more. We all at EuropaCorp are thrilled and most delighted to know this treasured project is being carried by such a creative and dedicated team such as The Weinstein Company.”
Luc Besson’s 2003 book, a huge success in France, captured the hearts of young readers. There are four books in Besson’s series including “Arthur and the Forbidden City,” which continues Arthur’s heroic story, “Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard” and “Arthur and the War of the Two Worlds” which gives an end to this journey. The publishing rights of the first two tomes are handled by Harper Collin’s Children Books.
For The Weinstein Company, the project will be overseen by co-president of production, Michael Cole, and director of production and development, Michael Schaefer.
