With its fantastical story line, incredible imagery, heralded cast and jaw-dropping 3D, Martin Scorsese's Hugo won plenty of critical love and accolades including 5 Academy Awards, 2 BAFTAs, and a Golden Globe for Best Director. As the family-friendly film was based on the Brian Selznick's children's book The Invention of Hugo Cabret, it's little wonder producers are scoping out Selznick's other offerings for possible adaptations.
Variety reports Chernin Entertainment, the production company behind Rise of the Planet of the Apes and the upcoming buddy cop comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy The Heat, has acquired the rights to Selznick's The Houdini Box. As you might have guessed from the title, this tale also finds its inspiration from a real life figure, but rather than groundbreaking filmmaker Georges Méliès this story focuses on a young boy's connection to bond-breaking escape artist and master magician Harry Houdini. For those counting, this will be the fourth feature currently in development that includes the iconic showman amongst its characters.
The Houdini Box centers on Victor, a boy obsessed with the tricks and escape tactics of his idol Harry Houdini. So, one day when the two cross paths by happenstance, Victor begs they become pen pals so he better be Houdini's protégé. Sadly, Houdini dies after sending his first correspondence, which contains a mysterious locked box. Like The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Selznick blended facts and fiction to create a narrative that would make history come alive and appeal to kids. In short, it sounds like The Houdini Box could be a thoroughly enchanting adventure.
