Since deciding not to return to direct Hunger Games sequel Catching Fire, Gary Ross has been lining up one or two alternative movies to consider as his next gig. He’s already got a Houdini project bubbling away, but The Hollywood Reporter
Jesse Wigutow is on board to write the script, which adapts Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s 2004 book. Starcatchers is a sort of Peter Pan prequel, which finds a young Pete befriending a girl named Molly while on board a Never Land ship. She reveals the existence of a trunk filled with magical starstuff that has to be kept from the hands of the devious pirate Black 'Stache' Moustache, which results in an adventure. And, if you didn’t already guess it, in Black Stache losing a hand on his way to becoming Captain Hook.
The book, picked up in a deal by the Mouse House back in 2005, has already been turned into a successful play across the pond and scored five Tony awards, which might explain the sudden new rush of interest. Ross is taking his time picking his next film, though, so Peter might have to wait a while longer...