Finds writer-director for adaptation
Optioned by CBS Films in late 2007, Alex Flinn’s young adult supernatural novel “Beastly” just landed a writer and director.
Daniel Barnz (Phoebe in Wonderland) will bring a screen version of Beastly to life. Set in high school, the story focuses on a popular teenage boy named Kyle Kingsbury who is turned into a hairy monster by a witch in his class.
Casting has begun and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, “producers [Susan Cartsonis and Roz Wesiberg] are seeking a young hearththrob in the vein or Robert Pattinson (Twilight) for the lead male role; Zac Efron was at one point considered for the role.”
When “Beastly” was first option, CBS Films found itself – like many companies – in the center of a WGA strike…which explains the development delay.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
