Universal Pictures has joined forces with hot-to-trot YA fantasy fiction writer, Julie Kagawa for a yet untitled book deal with Chris Morgan of “Fast and Furious” and “Wanted” fame attached to produce, according to “Heat Vision.”
The story takes place in a modern-day town where supernatural beings pose as ordinary humans. A group of slayers, disguised as visiting teens, arrive to the sleepy town and drama, confrontation and a love triangle ensue, as is always the case in Young Adult lit.
Julie Kagawa is a star in the world of Young Adult literature. Best know for “The Iron Fey,” series which includes four novels: “The Iron King,” “The Iron Daughter,” “The Iron Queen” and “The Iron Knight.” She also has a popular vampire series, “Blood of Eden,” that was optioned last April by Joni Sighvatsson of Palomar Pictures, for future film features.
Although originally born in California, Julie Kagawa currently lives in Kentucky. Perhaps all of these California based studio and production deals will lure her back to the Golden State. Personally, I would avoid the move. The grass is so much greener and realer in Kentucky than it is La La Land, that’s Los Angeles for the uninitiated.
As for Julie Kagawa’s crossover into the movie biz, I for one am excited at the prospect of another successful fantasy franchise. Hopefully one with a lot more bite than “Twilight.” I can’t deal with vamps that just sparkle and meaningfully use hair gel, too Count Chocula for my taste.
Although I love vampires as much as the next Role-Playing-Game enthusiast, I think it would be nice to add some trolls, fairies and witches to the mix. Hopefully, Julie Kagawa will bring some fresh ideas to the ever-growing fantasy film market.
To take a break from the vampire focus, first out of the gate is Warner Brother’s “Beautiful Creatures,” due for wide release this Thursday. A down-homey heart-warming story about Carolina witches should provide a nice vamp-free fantasy fix for now. Yes, I know, Thursday is Valentine’s Day, but think of it this way, if you spend 15 minutes looking for parking, 10 minutes complaining about the line being too long and two hours watching Emma Thompson, Viola Davis and Jeremy Irons have a three-way-witch-slap fight, then that’s 2 hours and 25 minutes fewer that you don’t have to either (a) pretend to be thoughtful and romantic or (b) cry alone in your ramen bowl.