Lee Shipman and Brian McGreevy are to write a modern update of H.G. Wells’ 1896 sci-fi horror classic The Island Of Doctor Moreau, a story in which the eponymous doctor attempts to transform animals into human-like creatures. Warner Bros will be working with Appian Way partners Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran, who will produce with Mad Hatter Entertainment’s Michael Connolly. To make the story relevant for today’s world, the film will have a topical ecological message.
THE ISLAND OF DOCTOR MOREAU will actually be the fourth adaptation of the War Of The Worlds author’s novel. The first, titled ISLAND OF LOST SOULS, came way back in 1932 and starred Charles Laughton and legendary DRACULA actor Bela Lugosi. Another starring Burt Lancaster was released in 1977 and a third starring Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer in 1996. The 1996 picture is considered by some to be one of the worst films ever made.
Shipman and MvGreevy were the writers behind the recent and successful Netflix series HEMLOCK GROVE. The show received two Emmy nominations.
Source: Deadline
