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Playwright David Auburn Adapting 'A Discovery of Witches' for WB

by Alex Billington
January 9, 2012
Source: Variety

From vampires to zombies to werewolves, now witches. Variety is reporting that Warner Bros is adapting a novel called A Discovery of Witches, written by Deborah Harkness, and they've lined up quite a prolific writer to take on the task. Playwright David Auburn, winner Joseph Kesselring Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, the Drama Desk Award, and the Tony Award for "Proof", has been hired to adapt the script for WB. The studio acquired the rights to adapt the film last year, and has producers Denise Di Novi (Crazy Stupid Love, Nights in Rodanthe, The Lucky One) and Allison Greenspan developing the project. Sounds fascinating.

A Discovery of Witches, the first in the All Souls Trilogy, which is of course a key component to this project's development at the studio, was published in 2011 by Deborah Harkness, her first her first work of fiction. "A wonderfully imaginative grown-up fantasy with all the magic of Harry Potter and Twilight." There's the hook. It tells the story of an unwilling, modern-day witch who inadvertently calls up an ancient enchanted manuscript at Oxford University's Bodleian Library, thereby attracting the unwelcome notice of a host of magical creatures who live among humans, including other witches, daemons, and a 1,500 year-old French vampire. Sounds like quite a fantastical premise that we one day soon might see. We'll keep you updated.

Filed under Development, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

Cat

I read the book last year and it was awful. Literally one of the worst books I've ever read. Hopefully Auburn can find redeemable material in it, but I doubt it.
- Stacey
  
  Interesting Cat. As a bookseller that reads a lot, I found the book to be one of the best I have ever read. Not only is Ms. Harkness a wonderful writer but she is also a Historian, with several non-fiction books under her belt. Unfortunately, a writer can't please every reader. I have recommended this book to hundreds of customers, all of which thoroughly enjoyed the book. David Auburn will do a fabulous job.
Breebaby88

I am on the opposite of the spectrum from Cat. I read this book too last year and really enjoyed it. I think it has potential for a good movie, guess we will see what happens.
Aprildshannon

The book was great I can't wait for the movie
Rach

Just finished both books and they are the best books I have ever read and I'm a very picky reader especially as I'm a book merchandiser.
CHILL

I absolutely loved this book, I happened to pick it up in the airport and I could not wait to get my hands on the second in the series. I hope she gets that third one done quick so I can finish it up!