John Crowley, the director of 2015’s Oscar-season darling “Brooklyn,” is currently in negotiations to direct Warner Bros.’ highly anticipated adaptation of “The Goldfinch,” TheWrap has learned.
The studio bought the movie rights to Donna Tartt‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel two years ago.
As TheWrap previously reported, the deal took several weeks to close, as Tartt and her reps at ICM were concerned about the lack of progress that Warner Bros. made several years ago in developing the author’s “Secret History.” Tartt is expected to be involved in the project, including making creative decisions.
The Dickensian adventure story, which takes place over two decades, follows a teenage boy whose mother dies in a museum bombing. He survives the tragedy and steals Fabritius’ famous painting “The Goldfinch.” Eventually, he’s taken in by a wealthy Manhattan family and, years later, reunites with the alcoholic father who abandoned him.
“The Goldfinch” won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2014 and was on the New York Times bestseller list for 39 weeks.
Peter Straughan adapted the screenplay for the movie.
Crowley’s Fox Searchlight drama “Brooklyn” was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actress.
He is represented by WME and Casarotto Ramsay & Associates.