An expectedly strong lineup of locals has just been announced for Mortal Engines, the big screen adaptation of Philip Reeve’s book series of the same name. Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh are producing, and have co-written the screenplay with Philippa Boyens, with Christian Rivers – another long-time Jackson collaborator – directing.
International cast Stephen Lang (Don’t Breathe), South Korean singer-actor Jihae (TV’s Mars), Robert Sheehan (TV’s Misfits), and Leila George will be joined by an impressive list of Kiwis: Mark Hadlow (The Hobbit), Nathaniel Lees (Sione’s Wedding), Caren Pistorius (Slow West), Joel Tobeck (Eagle vs Shark), Stephen Ure (Deathgasm), Maria Walker (Mahana), Khan West, Peter Rowley and Megan Edwards.
The Hollywood Reporter describes the books thus: “First published by Scholastic in 2001, the four-book series is set in a future world devastated ecologically and technologically and where certain cities including London are run by engines and move about the Earth, giving them the ability to prey on other smaller towns for resources. The story centers on a teen named Tom Natsworthy who, along with a young woman from a territory known as the Outlands, uncovers a mystery that could change the world order.”
The full media release follows:
A talented ensemble of New Zealand actors have been cast in Mortal Engines, a film based on the award winning book series of the same name from British author Philip Reeve.
Local Kiwi actors Mark Hadlow, Nathaniel Lees, Caren Pistorius, Joel Tobeck, Stephen Ure, Maria Walker, Khan West, Peter Rowley and Megan Edwards join the cast, as well as Australians Sophie Cox, Menik Gooneratne, Andrew Lees and Terry Norris. Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Leila George, Stephen Lang and Jihae have also been previously announced.
Producing the film adaptation are Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh (The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies), having been involved with the project for several years after optioning the rights from Scholastic. They co-wrote the screenplay with long-time collaborator Philippa Boyens (The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies).
Christian Rivers will direct. Christian has spent the majority of his 25-year career working closely with Jackson, beginning as a Story Board Artist, later moving into supervising visual effects and finally serving as Splinter Unit Director on The Hobbit trilogies. Christian won an Academy Award® for his work on the 2005 film, King Kong (Best Achievement in Visual Effects). He also recently served as second unit director on the remake of Pete’s Dragon.
Production is slated to begin in New Zealand in Spring 2017, and the film is set to be released December 13, 2018.
