Skydance, Ted Melfi Team For Screen Adaptation Of John Flanagan’s ‘Ranger’s Apprentice’ YA Novels
05.01.2024 - 17:39
/ deadline.com
EXCLUSIVE: Skydance has taken on the challenge of turning the bestselling YA fantasy novel series Ranger’s Apprentice into a live action film, with the hope it can become a franchise. Skydance has gotten control of the John Flanagan book series, and has closed a big deal with Hidden Figures helmer Ted Melfi to adapt, direct, and produce the film. Kim Quinn will also be producer.
Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger will produce alongside Melfi and Quinn. Flanagan will be executive producer, and Matt Grimm will oversee for Skydance.
I’ve heard that Melfi has made a deal worth high 7-figures if the movie gets made. His task will be to take the first two volumes – The Ruins of Gorlan & The Burning Bridge – and get a franchise off the ground that focuses on an orphan named Will who becomes an apprentice to a group of mysterious protectors known as the Rangers.
He becomes one of the skilled trackers, archers, and warriors in the service of the King of Araluen. Will strives to keep the Kingdom of Araluen safe from invaders, traitors, and other threats. He is joined on his adventures by his mentor, Halt, and his best friend Horace. The comp here is Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, youths with powers they have to come to grips with.
“The Rangers Apprentice and its focus on a group of orphans trying to figure out their purpose in the world is timeless, touching and cinematic,” Melfi told Deadline. “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to adapt it for the big screen. It’s a honor to be working with David, Dana, Don and Matt and the whole team at Skydance. These folks are truly passionate cinephiles who make movies for the right reasons.”
Melfi will jump right into the task, and he has been busy. There are