Hollywood Popular Artists

Jul 18th 2012, 17:27

It seems like Gary Ross might have found that different project he wanted to pursue that caused him to turn down a directing gig on "Catching Fire."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, "The Hunger Games" director is in talks to trade in Panem for Neverland. He is reportedly negotiating to direct Disney's upcoming adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson's children's novel "Peter and the Starcatchers," which serves as a prequel of sorts to "Peter Pan."

Ross has never been a director to prefer helming children's stories over adult ones, so there must be something very special (or very profitable) drawing him towards "Peter and the Starcatchers." "The Hunger Games" must have been a good way to prep him for the story, though this Disney project likely won't be nearly as gritty and violent. Ross's previous two films, "Seabiscuit" and "Pleasantville," also aren't great examples of the tone required for an adaptation of "Peter and the Starcatchers," though it should be noted that Ross did write the screenplays for "Lassie" and "The Tale of the Despereaux."

It does make sense why Ross would want to tackle the project, though. Disney first optioned the novel back in 2005 but ended up turning it into a Broadway musical first. It took home five Tonys this year and has had great critical reception, so it does seem like the perfect time to bring the story to the big screen. Jesse Wigutow is penning the script.

"Peter and the Starcatchers" tells the story of Peter Pan as he befriends a shipmate named Molly that he meets on a Never Land ship. The two of them set off on an adventure to find a trunk filled with mysterious magical starstuff that they must discover before the evil pirate Black Stache -- who will later lose his hand and become Captain Hook -- captures it first.

Do you think Ross is a good fit for Disney's "Peter Pan and the Starcatchers" adaptation? Tell us in the comments section below or on Twitter!

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