The publisher of one of Robert Munsch’s most beloved classic children’s books confirms there are negotiations to have it made into a Hollywood movie but says the deal is not yet in the bag.
Rick Wilks, director of Toronto-based Annick Press, said information being reported that The Paper Bag Princess by Munsch is being made into a Hollywood movie is premature.
“It hasn’t happened yet. Things are not signed, sealed or delivered. There are discussions and that’s where we’re at,” said Wilks.
Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Penn. but relocated to Guelph in 1975 and published his first book with Annick Press in 1979.
The Paper Bag Princess was first published in 1980 by Annick Press and Discus Books and to this day finds itself listed on top 10 lists of children’s books sold in Canada.
The story of The Paper Bag Princess was created during storytelling sessions Munsch conducted while working at a daycare centre in Coos Bay, Oregon.
“One day my wife, who also worked at the daycare centre, came to me and said, ‘how come you always have the prince save the princess? Why can’t the princess save the prince?’” said Munsch in the book’s description on the Annick Press website.
The Paper Bag Princess has sold more than 10 million copies and has been translated into dozens of languages.
In 1999, Munsch was made a Member of the Order of Canada and the author’s star on Canada’s Walk of Fame was revealed in 2013.
In a 2015 story, The Toronto Star reported Munsch topped the list of authors whose books were borrowed but never returned to the Toronto Public Library.
Munsch was quoted in the article as saying he is happy to see that thieves like his books and he promised to ‘continue to serve the needs of the reading underworld’.
Late last month, The Hollywood Reporter said Universal has picked up the movie rights to The Paper Bag Princess after winning a bidding war.
Actor Margot Robbie, who recently portrayed Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, is said to be starring in the proposed The Paper Bag Princess project, said The Hollywood Reporter, while actor, producer and director Elizabeth Banks will direct.
Banks recently directed Pitch Perfect 2 and will next direct a new Charlie’s Angels movie, said The Hollywood Reporter.
WIlks said negotiations on the movie deal for the children's book are continuing.
“We are still in conversation and I can’t really say anything beyond," he said.
