A couple of weeks ago we reported on rumours in the European press that Martin Scorsese was planning to head to Europe later this year in order to adapt the children’s book, The Invention Of Hugo Cabret, for the big screen. At the time it was difficult to know how to take the news, as the reports seemed pretty certain, but there’d been no official word and it seemed so different to what Scorsese had done before.
However it appear the reports were correct, as Variety says that while it was Ice Age’s Chris Wedge who was originally down to direct, he’s now been replaced by Scorsese. The story is about an orphan who lives inside the walls of a Parisian train station in the 1930s, and must finish a quest his father started by solving the mystery of a broken robot. The lavishly illustrated book has won numerous awards, and the film version will reunite Scorsese with The Aviator screenwriter, John Logan.
Another interesting nugget is the possible involvement of Johnny Depp. His production company, Nihil, is involved in the making of the film, although there’s no indication he will have any sort of on-screen role in the movie. With Hugo Cabret planned for a June 1st shooting start in London, it’s likely Depp will be busy by then making Pirates 4, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t make a cameo, perhaps as Hugo’s father.
It’s certainly an interesting departure ofr Scorsese, but he is well known for making unusual decisions and trying out all sorts of different genres. As children’s movie’s is something he’s never even strayed near, it seems he’s decided to remedy that and add another unexpected movie to his bow.