Fantasy fans were delighted earlier this year when New Line announced they would adapt Philip Pullman's sci-fi/fantasy novels 'His Dark Materials'. Even more so when the script was trusted onto award-winning writer Tom Stoppard, known for 'Brazil' and 'Shakespeare In Love' among others.
Pullman and Stoppard both expressed discomfort when the studio announced 'American Pie' director Chris Weitz at the helm. Pullman reassured his fan by saying he met Weitz in the summer, and he wouldn't let his work take the 'American Pie' tangent. As for Stoppard, he went about his business, and turned in his first draft a few months ago, waiting for word from New line.
But this week, the screenwriter told newspaper The Independent he was still waiting, and in his opinion, has been tossed aside from the project.
"As far as I was made aware, New Line Cinema and Philip Pullman all liked it. Then Chris Weitz got the job. And he likes to write his own scripts" said Weitz.
No statement has been made to the press nor to Pullman and Stoppard, about a change in screenwriters. Pullman himself chose not to get involved in production, but should be kept up to date on it. "Perhaps some of his script will survive," said Pullman. "I imagine this happens in the film world all the time."
With someone as highly regarded as Tom Stoppard making the comments he did, expect New Line to react sooner rather than later.
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