Filmmaker Matthew Vaughn (“Kick-Ass,” “X-Men: First Class”) has acquired the rights to author and filmmaker Tonya Hurley’s “ghostgirl” series of young adult novels. Vaughn will produce through his MARV Films along with Valerie Van Galder.
Ghostgirl is the story of high school senior, Charlotte Usher, a misfit outsider whose desperation to be popular lives on even after her sudden death due to a guy and a gummy bear. The novel was published on August 1, 2008 by Little, Brown and Company, and hit the New York Times Bestsellers list, Chapter Books, on September 14, 2008. The book has been published in more than 20 languages in nearly 30 countries. It was followed by a sequel in July 2009 called ghostgirl: Homecoming and a third book, ghostgirl: Lovesick, which was released in July of 2010.
MARV Films described “ghostgirl” as satirical yet heartfelt. It explores the invisibility we all feel at times and the lengths we’ll go to be seen. The producers are hoping that the films will be as popular as the “Twilight” and “Hunger Games” movie series.
Hurly had this to say.
“I am beyond thrilled to have ‘ghostgirl’ in the hands of such creative, capable and passionate filmmakers. I’m a raging Matthew Vaughn fan and I look forward to working with him, Val, and the whole team at MARV. To see Charlotte Usher come to life is a dream come true for me and for all the devoted ‘ghostgirl’ fans around the world.”
Van Galder added.
“Five years ago I spotted ‘ghostgirl’ on a shelf and I was immediately drawn to everything about it. Tonya Hurley and I formed an instant kinship as both relate to outsiders and are immensely grateful we did not peak in high school. Tonya spent those five years telling Charlotte Usher’s story in five separate books, building a passionate and dedicated fan base who are now eagerly awaiting this next chapter in Charlotte’s afterlife. Matthew and I are looking forward to joining Charlotte’s journey.”
Vaughn’s career started when he produced Guy Ritchie’s “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch.” Through his MARV production company, Vaughn directed “Layer Cake” and “Stardust.” His next film, “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” arrives in theaters this February.
Sources: The Wrap, IMDb