Besson adapted his book for the screen and will direct and produce "Arthur and the Minimoys." Currently in production, "Arthur and the Minimoys" is a mix of live action and animation starring Freddie Highmore ("Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") and Mia Farrow. Madonna, Snoop Dogg, and David Bowie are lending their voices to animated characters.
In a press release issued by The Weinstein Company, Harvey Weinstein was quoted as saying, "We are thrilled to be bringing this exciting adventure story to the big screen. ’Arthur’ is an enchanting and heroic tale and will be enjoyed by family audiences everywhere.”
Pierre-Ange from EuropaCorp, the producers of the film, added, "'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.”
There's no word yet on whether Besson will bring his other books in the series - “Arthur and the Forbidden City,” “Arthur and the Revenge of Maltazard” and “Arthur and the War of the Two Worlds” - to the big screen.
"Arthur and the Minimoys" Official Synopsis
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.
Source: The Weinstein Company
