Although Universal bought the rights to Dave Wroblewski’s novel, The Story Of Edgar Sawtelle last year, it’s only now that they’ve set Jarhead and Apollo 13 scribe, William Broyles Jr, to adapt it for the big screen.
The story centres on a mute teenager named Edgar Sawtelle, who, after the mysterious death of his father, runs away into the Northwoods of Wisconsin with three of the extraordinary dogs his family raises and trains. Yes, this is going to be yet another movie where Hollywood expects us to line up to watch cure little doggies on the big screen (and the worst things is, people probably will). At least this one sounds like it might have a bit of meat on it, as despite the dogs, it’s definitely as interesting premise.
Tom Hanks is producing via his production company, Playtone, while Oprah Winfrey is also involved via Harpo.
There’s no director or cast set yet, and to be honest, it may be a struggle to get the story of a mute teenager in front of the camera, but there are certainly some heavy hitters pushing for it, so it may win through. (Source: THR)