Mel Gibson’s Icon Productions have grabbed the rights to A Great And Terrible Beauty, the first part of Libba Bray’s novel trilogy.
Charles Sturridge – who directed the recent Lassie film – has taken writing and directing duties for the film, which is set in Victorian England and will chronicle headstrong teenager Gemma Doyle’s journey from India after her mother’s death. Sent to a repressive boarding school in England, she then discovers a conspiracy surrounding the death that draws her into a world of magic and danger.
"Libba's series injects amusing new elements and creative comedy into a genre that continues to generate much fanfare with young-adult audiences," Icon’s Bruce Davey told The Hollywood Reporter. "We're very excited to have Charles on board to write and direct."
If the film is successful, the company plans to go ahead with the second book in the trilogy, Rebel Angels. The third book hits shelves next year.