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Steven Spielberg Might Direct John Wyndham's Chocky?

by Alex Billington
September 25, 2008

DreamWorks recently acquired the rights to the science fiction novel "Chocky" written by John Wyndham. Steven Spielberg is apparently interested in making this his next directing project (presumably after Tintin and Lincoln). The book tells the story of a boy who has a mysterious imaginary friend with whom he frequently argues. As the boy's father gets increasingly suspicious, it becomes clear that an alien entity has taken up residence in the boy's consciousness. Hollywood Reporter questions whether the potential split between DreamWorks and Paramount will push this film in one direction or another. They're also certain that this will be Spielberg's next film, possibly even something he works on concurrently with Tintin.

"Chocky" was first published in 1968. While Wyndham is a well known sci-fi writer, the book seems to be quite unknown, but comments like this one put it in the spotlight. "The dialog is nothing short of brilliant; the dynamics are uncannily convincing. This is an excellent book." As for Spielberg's potential involvement, this sounds like a perfect story for him. We all know he's utterly fascinated with aliens (need I mention Indiana Jones again?) and a highly praised sci-fi story about an actual alien would be great to see on the big screen. Plus, I think I'd much rather see Spielberg go back to sci-fi than back in history with Lincoln. The early details on this film are still rather rough, so we'll update this when we have more.

Explore tags: Movie News, Opinions

Sal

John Wyndham wrote a whole bunch of fantastic 'end of the world as we know it' sci fi yarns. The Midwich Cuckoos [possible alien impregnation of ALL the women in a small village who then give birth to terrifying children] was filmed as Village of the Damned [i think] and a very silly version of Day of the Triffids was made in the 60s. It's time someone had another bash at his work. He IS very good!
Redge

Is it me or Spielberg is really obsessed with extraterrestrials?
Vole

Chocky was made into a British kids TV show in 1984. Doubt this gives any clues as to what the movie might be like, but anyway here's a clip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kP6xJC_MiY
Jojo

Eh Steven Spielberg as sci-fi director is OK. James Cameron is the best sci-fi director.
http://handfulofwires.blogspot.com DCompose

James Cameron is making movies about the lame ocean and documentaries about him making cameras for his movie that nobody cares about because it's about cat archers. FACT.
http://www.c-r-u-x.de c-r-u-x

Actually I can't wait to see Cameron's cat archer movie! Regarding Spielberg directing Chocky... I'd be happy so see Spielberg make a great (sci fi) movie once again. His last flicks were more of the "okay but not a must-see"-kind. His last really good movie (imo) was Minority Report, so if Chocky is really that great a story there might be potential in this movie. With Babylon A.D. having disappointed me big time besides The Day The Earth Stood Still there's not much (potentially) good sci fi movies around these days.
goudos

Spielburg formula: Alien + Little kid + Father Issues - Sappy Ending = Good Movie
John

Def. James Cameron, did you see what Spielberg did to Indiana Jones?
safichan

wait until Avatar is release next year... then we should decide who is the sci-fic champion director... Spielberg or Cameron? why not include Lucas in the list?
avoidz

I remember watching the series of this on ITV back in 1984 and 1985
Eber hart

Spielberg continues to obediently feed us tiresome New World Order eugenics predictive programming --this a lead in for coming compulsory brain-chip implants. MEANWHILE, as arch globalist George Soros announces days ago "(RED) China MUST OWN the New World Order" ---it comes to light that NOT ONLY are globalist funded lads overseeing China's VAST forced abortion and eugenics programs ---BUT that ---some----of the unborn are being kept alive outside their mothers for "further study"... ESP. disturbing on this, the again 'mysteriously overlooked' 60th Anniversary of the astoundingly, eerily relevant ---KOREAN WAR.