Though the “Harry Potter” franchise still has a long way to go before its last sequel bows down in 2012, Warner Bros. are already looking ahead as they have picked a fantasy franchise successor. The studio has already signed on to produce their latest fantasy saga, a five-book series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.
The first book “Beautiful Creatures” revolves on the story of Ethan Wale, a popular high school student in South Carolina who becomes witched. 16-year-old Lena Duchanne whose family is cursed with supernatural powers is to blame. At present “Beautiful Creatures” has just been released by Little, Brown & Co.
Creating the screenplay and directing the film is Richard LaGravanese. His writing-directing duties were seen in the films “P.S. I Love You” and “Living Out Loud”. He also co-wrote the screenplay for the currently filming third Narnia film “Voyage of The Dawn Treader”. Producing the film is Erwin Stoff.
LaGravenese personally shares his delight in creating films “that have well-drawn mythologies”. He’s drawn most to the supernatural touch in the protagonists’ love story narrating, “The first time they hear the words ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend,’ they accidentally overhear each other telepathically. Their first kiss comes after he saves her life, and their first date is part of a bigger adventure that leads to the unraveling of the mysterious curse that haunts her family.”
Entering the fantasy films business cashes in a lot of money for the studio but they’re pretty tricky. Chances are high that “Beautiful Creatures” could not rival the established success of “Twilight” and “Harry Potter” but it sure is a good addition to the already strong female-friendly fantasy realm.
