DreamWorks picked up the film rights to Scholastic Media's The 39 Clues in June and now they've found a writer to bring it to life on the screen. Screenwriter Jeff Nathanson will tackle script duties with Steven Spielberg (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) considering directing.
If Spielberg does direct The 39 Clues it will mark the fourth collaboration between the director and Nathanson. Nathanson wrote the screenplays for Spielberg's The Terminal, Catch Me If You Can, and has a screenwriting credit on the fourth Indiana Jones movie.
In announcing Nathanson's signing, DreamWorks Co-Chairman and CEO Stacey Snider said, "Jeff’s writing brings characters to life with his great sense of adventure touched with humor and suspense, just the right recipe for our family film."
The first film of the franchise will be based on The Maze of Bones, the first in a series of books which follows the powerful Cahill family. The interactive multi-platform series will allow its audience to hunt for the 39 clues hidden around the world by reading the books, playing online games, and collecting cards.
There's no word yet on when production is expected to begin on The 39 Clues. Spielberg's also attached to direct Tintin and a Lincoln biopic with Liam Neeson in the title role.
Source: DreamWorks
