Hollywood Bound!

It is common knowledge that I LOVE movie adaptations of books, but (and this is a really big BUT) I refuse to watch a movie that I KNOW was based off of a book before I read it. (Go ahead…shake your head, it’s completely ridiculous)  This can get a little intense sometimes; since I’m not a damn mind reader or gossip junkie; and find myself with only a day to read a book.  So…in an effort to keep all of you up to date on what you need to get your fingers on before it hits the box office, I have compiled a list of adaptations due out in the next year. Hope this helps out a few of you with OCD as bad a mine.

‘The Help’

‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close’

Attached: Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, James Gandolfini, Thomas Horn
Status: Now that it’s been a decade since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, we’re likely to see 9/11 in more major Hollywood movies. “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” tells the story of a little boy whose father is killed in the bombing; when the kid finds a mysterious key, he goes on a quest to unlock the secrets of his dad’s life and death. Author Jonathan Safran Foer was accused by some of exploiting the tragedy; now director Stephen Daldry is said to be trying to rush production in order to release the film on the 10^th anniversary of the attacks on September 11, 2011. Take that for what you will.
Release Date/Year: September 11, 2011 — but probably not actually until 2012

‘Breaking Dawn’

Attached: Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Kristen Stewart Status: Author Stephenie Meyer penned this obscure little novel a few years ago, to little fanfare, but now it’s… oh, who are we kidding. You probably already know everything there is to know about the eagerly awaited adaptation of the fourth and final (?) novel in Meyer’s record-shattering “Twilight” series. The action is so big this time around, though, that they had to break it into two parts; the second half of the story won’t land in theaters until Nov. 16, 2012.  
Release Date/Year: Nov. 18, 2011

‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’

Attached: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Robin Wright, Stellan Skarsgard
Status: Stop us if you’ve heard this before; since his death, Steig Larsson’s 2005 novel “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and its two sequels have become the hottest literary sensation in the world. They’ve already spawned a trilogy of acclaimed Swedish movies, but Hollywood doesn’t like subtitles quite as much as they like money, so director David Fincher has put together a new, big budget version for domestic audiences to throw cash at.
Release Date/Year: Dec. 21, 2011

‘The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn’

Attached: Daniel Craig, Cary Elwes, Simon Pegg, Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis
Status: Filming has already been completed in this big budget adaptation of the classic children’s series by legendary cartoonist. Herge. “The Secret of the Unicorn” was actually the 11th book in the series when it came out in 1943, but hey, who’s counting? Certainly not Steven Spielberg, who directed the movie using motion capture and CGI goodness and who has promised to film a whole bunch more of these suckers if people enjoy the first one. We’re inclined to give Spielberg the benefit of the doubt; after all, he has a pretty good track record with these kinds of things.
Release Date/Year: Dec. 28, 2011

‘On the Road’

Attached: Kirsten Dunst, Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Amy Adams, Viggo Mortensen
Status:Based on the classic 1951 beat novel by Jack Kerouac, “On the Road” has been adapted for the screen several times, but few of those productions have the kind of acting pedigree this latest version can boast: besides big names like Viggo Mortensen, Amy Adams,  Kristen Stewart and Garrett Hedlund, critical favorites like Steve Buscemi, Elisabeth Moss and Terrence Howard help round out the terrific cast. Filming finished late last year, but we’re still waiting for the trailer to come out. Let’s go, people!
Release Date/Year: 2011

‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’

Attached: Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Colin Firth, Ciaran Hinds
Status: This popular 1974 novel by espionage author John le Carre stars Gary Oldman as Smiley, a retired spy who is forced to come out of retirement in order to root out a mole that has infiltrated the upper echelon of his own intelligence agency. The red hot Tom Hardy joins him in the first Hollywood film for acclaimed Swedish director Tomas Alfredson, who wowed audiences with his 2008 horror movie “Let the Right One In.” Not to mention the movie also features a certain Oscar-winning actor by the name of Colin Firth. Count us intrigued.
Release Date/Year: 2011

‘Neuromancer’

Attached: Director Vincenzo Natali
Status: “Cube” writer and director Vincenzo Natali is working hard on an adaptation of William Gibson’s seminal 1984 cyberpunk novel “Neuromancer,” but sometimes hard work doesn’t necessarily pay off; despite years of development, this project seems to be stalled out right now. Last year, rumor had it that Liv Tyler was going to have a starring role, but at this point, it’s anyone’s guess who will be cast. The 2011 release date for “Neuromancer” seems extremely optimistic.
Release Date/Year: 2011

‘The Woman in Black’

Attached: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Janet Mcteer, Shaun Dooley
Status: Daniel Radcliffe knows a thing or two about starring in a book adaptation, so the latest version of “The Woman in Black” (the moody horror story from author Susan Hill was previously adapted in Britain back in 1989) would seem to be in good hands. Of course, the big question is whether or not audiences are ready to accept Radcliffe in any role other than “Harry Potter,” which he has been intimately identified with for over a decade.
Release Date/Year: February 10, 2012

‘Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax’

Attached: Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Danny DeVito, Betty White, Rob Riggle
Status: Back in 1971, beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss published “The Lorax,” a timely parable about the imminent dangers facing the environment. And since then, of course, all humanity has embraced its message and cleaned up the world. No? OK, well maybe they will after they watch this big-budget animated version featuring the voices of stars like Betty White, Zac Efron and Danny DeVito. Probably not, but here’s hoping.
Release Date/Year: March 2, 2012

‘The Hunger Games’

Attached: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Director Gary Ross
Status: “Seabiscuit” shot-caller Gary Ross is set to helm this eagerly awaited adaptation of the first book in this wildly popular series from author Suzanne Collins; maybe you heard the shrieks of joy and despair that eminated from every corner of the internet when “Winter’s Bone” star Jennifer Lawrence was signed on as main character Katniss Everdeen. With Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth also on board as rival hotties vying for her heart, “The Hunger Games” is on track to begin filming in May.
Release Date/Year: March 2, 2012

‘Atlas Shrugged: Part 2 and 3’

Attached: Taylor Schilling, Edi Gathegi, Paul Johansson, Matthew Marsden
Status: After 35 years in development hell, the first part of Ayn Rand’s politically charged manifesto finally hit the big screen just in time for tax day this year after being rushed into production literally at the last possible moment; John Aglialoro, who owns the film rights, got the film underway just one day before his rights were going to lapse. Assuming the first film does well enough to warrant filming the rest of the book, the movie is set to become a tax day staple, as the final two installments are tentatively scheduled for April 15 of 2012 and 2013.
Release Date/Year: April 15, 2012; April 15, 2013

‘Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter’

Attached: Benjamin Walker, Dominic Cooper, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rufus Sewell
Status: Seth Grahame-Smith’s historical horror mashup just came out last year, but filming has already begun on the big budget adaptation, with “Wanted” director Timur Bekmambetov behind the camera. And in front of the camera is a cast of fresh-faced stars-in-the-making, including Benjamin Walker (“Flags of Our Fathers”) as Lincoln and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World”) as his wife.
Release Date/Year: June 22, 2012

‘The Bourne Legacy’

Attached: N/A
Status: Here’s what we know about the fourth movie in the “Bourne” franchise: It will be released in 2012 and it takes its name from the 2004 novel by Eric Van Lustbader, who was charged with continuing the series after creator Robert Ludlum’s death. And Tony Gilroy, who wrote the first three movies, will apparently be directing this one. Here’s what we don’t know: who will be in it, as Matt Damon has dropped out in favor of a yet-to-be-cast group playing black ops members affected by the events in the first three movies. We’ve heard of sequels and prequels, but are you ready for the side-quel?
Release Date/Year: Aug. 3, 2012

‘The Life of Pi’

Attached: Suraj Sharma, Tobey Maguire, Gerard Depardieu
Status: Acclaimed director Ang Lee (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) is behind the push to adapt the popular 2001 novel by Yann Martel about an Indian boy who survives a shipwreck and spends months afloat with only a giant tiger as a companion. Several previous attempts at making a film version failed, with folks like M. Night Shyamalan and Alfonso Cuaron failing to get it done, but this time around it looks like the film is a finally go; shooting began in January with Tobey Maguire and Gerard Depardeiu now on board as well.
Release Date/Year: December 14, 2012

‘The Hobbit’

Attached: Martin Freeman, Bret McKenzie, Ian McKellan, Director Peter Jackson
Status: Ever since “The Lord of the Rings” blew up the movie landscape last decade, fans and Hollywood pundits alike have been wondering just when director Peter Jackson would get off his duff and film J.R.R. Tolkein’s classic 1937 prequel “The Hobbit.” Well, it’s finally happening, with the UK’s “Office” alum Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins (and a bunch of relative unknowns as his dwarf entourage). Fans still have a while to wait though; the movie, which is being divided into two parts, has just begun production down in New Zealand and won’t be in theaters for almost another two years.
Release Date/Year: December 19, 2012

‘Lay the Favorite’

Attached: Director Stephen Frears
Status: Stephen Frears has made some cool flicks in his day — “The Queen,” “High Fidelity,” etc. — but “Lay the Favorite” has the potential to be one of this coolest. Based on a memoir from author Beth Raymer which was just published a few months ago, “Lay the Favorite” tells the tale of how Raymer went to Las Vegas and got a job as a bookie’s assistant. Considering the film recently signed on Bruce Willis, Justin Timberlake and Catherine Zeta-Jones, it looks like “Lay the Favorite” just became one of the favorites itself.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘The Caster Chronicles’

Attached: N/A
Status: The latest young adult fantasy series to be gobbled up by execs hoping to recapture the magic of “Harry Potter” “The Caster Chronicles,” from authors Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, tells the story of a guy who gets pulled into a secret world of witches and whatnot. Screenwriter Richard LaGravenese, who recently penned the adaptation of the Robert Pattinson vehicle “Water for Elephants,” wrote the script and will be stepping behind the camera as director as well. Pre-production is expected to begin this year, with casting to follow. Fingers crossed.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘Odd Thomas’

Attached: Anton Yelchin, Willem Dafoe, Nico Tortorella, Addison Timlin, Patton Oswalt
Status: Horror author Dean R. Koontz is no stranger to having his books adapted for the big screen — and he’s also no stranger to seeing them completely tank (anyone remember “Watchers 3” or “Phantoms?”). This time around, though, it looks like the story of a guy who can see evil spirits is in pretty good hands: “Star Trek’s” Anton Yelchin has signed on as the lead, while up-and-comer Nico Torotrella (“Scream 4”) and veteran Willem Dafoe (the guy with that face) are set to join him. Filming is set to begin on May 2.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’

Attached: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Mae Whitman
Status: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” was originally published by MTV, but it’s the three-headed monster of Touchstone, DreamWorks and Summit that is bringing Stephen Chobsky’s teen novel to the big screen. One of the most controversial books in recent memory, “Wallflower” tells the story of a high school kid (Logan Lerman, who previously headlined the adaptation of “Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief) who comes out of his shell thanks to friendship, books, sex, drugs and rock & roll — only without the rock & roll. Emma Watson has also signed on for one of her first big post-“Harry Potter” roles. Should be interesting.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘Cosmopolis’

Attached: Robert Pattinson, Jay Baruchel, Paul Giamatti, Kevin Durand, Juliette Binoche
Status: This ought to be an interesting one: Weirdo auteur David Cronenberg (we say that lovingly) is set to adapt Don DeLillo’s modern existential epic about an investment banker who tries to drive across Manhattan for a haircut. The fact that the entire story takes place in the back seat of a limo isn’t what’s got us going crazy, though; it’s the idea of leading actor Robert Pattinson actually getting his hair cut. Nooooo! One way or another, though, this is likely to be one of the most interesting films of 2012; it’s set to begin shooting on May 24.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘The Bell Jar’

Attached: Julia Stiles, Virginia Madsen, Rose McGowan (rumored)
Status: This isn’t the first time that doomed poet Sylvia Plath’s semi-autobiographical 1963 novel “The Bell Jar” has been made into a movie; back in 1979, an adaptation hit screens and spawned a lawsuit from one person who thought the semi in semi-autobiographical was a little bit too biographical if you know what we mean. That likely won’t be a problem now due to the simple fact that, another three decades later, just about everyone in the book is now dead. That hasn’t helped speed up production, though, as Stiles has been preparing for the role for over four years without the cameras actually rolling. With a director (Nicole Kassell) and script in place, though, it looks like this is just a matter of time now. Maybe.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘Oz: The Great and Powerful’

Attached: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Director Sam Raimi
Status: L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” has, as you may know, already been made into a movie. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Riffing on Baum’s extensive writings about Oz, though, director Sam Raimi and the gang at Disney are looking to do for “The Wizard of Oz” what Johnny Depp did for “Alice in Wonderland” last year — namely, make a massive pantload of greenbacks. “Oz: The Great and Powerful” will be a prequel that tells the story of how the wizard ended up behind that big curtain to begin with. Currently scheduled to begin shooting in July with James Franco and Mila Kunis anchoring the production.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘Fahrenheit 451’

Attached: Tom Sizemore, Director Frank Darabont
Status: “The Green Mile’s” writer/director/producer Frank Darabont is behind this latest effort to bring Ray Bradbury’s classic 1953 sci-fi novel “Fahrenheit 451” to the big screen. The story, which details a future where books — and critical thinking of any kind — are outlawed by a repressive, hedonistic society, would seem especially ripe for commentary in today’s entertainment-driven, social media age. Darabont is currently searching for a lead actor with the chops to play the part — and the pull to secure some major funding too, of course.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘The Tiger’

Attached: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie (producer)
Status: Brad Pitt and his little lady, Angelina Jolie, are both on board as producers for this adaptation of John Vaillant’s acclaimed book “The Tiger,” which was just released earlier this year. The story of a man-eating tiger and the warden who has to track him down is hot enough for Pitt to secure the rights himself with an eye towards starring in it, and acclaimed director Darren Aronofsky is reportedly on board and aiming for a 2011 shoot. But we’re guessing getting insurance for this project is going to be a complete beyotch.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘World War Z’

Attached: Brad Pitt, Director Marc Forster
Status: Max Brooks began his crusade against the undead with 2003’s “How to Survive a Zombie Attack,” but it’s his 2006 follow-up, “World War Z,” which has been getting the play in Hollywood circles; the book, which tells the story of those who survived the zombie apocalypse, is set to star Brad Pitt as one of those who stood in the thin red undead line. “Quantum of Solace” director Marc Forster is attached to helm the project, though recent rumors suggest the project may be scrapped due to the horde of zombie films being pumped out. We’ll see.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel’

Attached: Director Eric Bress
Status: Lorenzo di Bonaventura, the power producer behind epics like “Constantine,” “Transformers” and “G. I. Joe,” is throwing his considerable weight behind this adaptation of the first book in Michael Scott’s young adult fantasy series. And bringing the book to life as a film-ready screenplay? “Final Destination” and “Butterfly Effect” scriptwriter Eric Bress. Well, we’ll reserve judgment until we see it. The good news, though, is that with di Bonaventura behind the movie, it’s almost certain to get made.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘Septimus Heap: Magyk’

Attached: Director David Frankel
Status: “Septimus Heap” would seem to be the perfect candidate to conquer a post-“Harry Potter” film world: The first book in the series, “Magyk,” tells the story of a seventh son of a seventh son who becomes apprentice to the world’s bigwig wizard, which comes in handy since his adopted sister is actually heir to the throne. Not quite as obvious: the decision to turn the franchise keys over to “Marley & Me” and “The Devil Wears Prada” director David Frankel. We’re curious to see how that… unusual… choice works out.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘Startide Rising’

Attached: N/A
Status: Turning David Brin’s acclaimed 1983 sci-fi novel (it won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards for Best Novel) into a feature film is a bold move considering some of the inherent difficulties presented by the story; most of the cast, after all, are hyper-intelligent dolphins who, along with a handful of humans, crew a spaceship being chased by the combined armadas of the entire galaxy after they stumble upon an important historical artifact. Unknown director Lorna Davis has recently been tapped to helm the project, so things are still moving along.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘The Host’

Attached: Saoirse Ronan, Taylor Kitsch (rumored)
Status: Screenwriter Andrew Niccol and director Susanna White (“Nanny McPhee Returns,” of all things) have been chosen to spearhead the latest adaptation from “Twilight” author Stephanie Meyer. “The Host” tells the story of an alien who comes to Earth an inhabits a girl’s body, which sets in motion a whole slew of really complicated romantic entanglements due to the whole split personality type thing. But with aliens. We’re sure that Meyer’s legion of fans are probably already waiting in line for this one, but while we’re just as excited, we’re not quite ready to get our sleeping bag out just yet; casting has yet begun, so it will likely be more than a year before this actually hits theaters.
Release Date/Year: 2012

‘City of Bones’ (‘Mortal Instruments’)

Attached: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower
Status: Every studio in Hollywood — and every fan of films and books — has been searching for the next “Harry Potter” since the moment that series came to an end. And Constantin films thinks they have found it in “City of Bones,” the first installment of Cassandra Clare’s popular young adult fantasy series “The Mortal Instruments,” which tells the story of a seemingly average girl who discovers she has incredible powers — powers that she must use, naturally, to save humanity. Director Scott Stewart has cast his “Priest” star Lily Collins in the main role and is currently scouting locations in New York City for a big 3D conversion, with more casting news to follow.
Release Date/Year: 2012