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Jack Black to Headline New Gulliver's Travels Adaptation

by Kevin Powers
November 6, 2008

I imagine most of our readers have some familiarity with the classic tale of "Gulliver's Travels", the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver as penned by Jonathan Swift back in 1726. The most recognized of the four part story is Part I, where Gulliver washes ashore in the country of Lilliput wherein the inhabitants are a mere six inches tall. Variety is reporting that Fox has greenlit an adaptation of this well-known tale with Jack Black assuming the role of the skyscraper-tall Gulliver. Director Rob Letterman (of only Shark Tale and the upcoming Monsters vs Aliens) will update the tale a bit, having Gulliver as a travel writer on assignment in the Bermuda Triangle when he comes across the hidden island of tiny people.

The other country involved in the original tale is a rival to Lilliput called Blefuscu. Gulliver is welcomed into the country and initially aides the Lilliputians by taking the Blefuscudians fleet. Eventually, Gulliver disagrees with the king of Lilliput, refusing to further oppress Blefuscu, and is charged with treason.

Now, whether Letterman will adhere to much of the original material is yet-to-be-seen. While "Gulliver's Travels" was originally intended as a satire of human nature and the British monarchy, I have a feeling Black's involvement takes the film towards a more humorous, slap-stick direction. Further proof: Forgetting Sarah Marshall director Nicholas Stoller and Shrek scribe Joe Stillman wrote this screenplay. I can just see Black (and his noteworthy belly) tripping and crushing mass areas of Lilliput. Since this news is pretty fresh, there's no word on the rest of the cast, such as who might play the kings of the two countries.

Explore tags: Casting, Movie News

-Peter-

: l
Jeremy

Is that "blood" coming out of his nose?
Will S. (Co Springs)

Swift was primarily a satirist, and I'd like to see the comedy relate somewhat to Swift's original message. One of my favorite books.
JL

I'd kind of like to see Young Nasty Man stomping around on Liliputians. Or is he Wonder Boy?
ben

did he snort something and lift his shirt for prof?
bat

Will all four parts be in the movie? if so, how will the talking horses look?
ben2

Just finishing up the book now, I think JB will be good for the part. And what do you mean original message, isn't there usually a 'message' behind satire? I see what your saying though, I hope JB doesn't make it stupid funny, they have to keep it close to the book. Oh and JB is Wonder Boy, Kyle Gass is Young Nasty Man.