Lionsgate Acquires Rights to ‘Magic Tree House’ Book Series

The company will now produce multiple live-action films based on the 54-volume collection by author Mary Pope Osborne

Lionsgate has acquired the global rights to the “Magic Tree House” book series, Lionsgate’s Co-Chairs Rob Friedman and Patrick Wachsberger announced Thursday.

The Lionsgate Motion Picture Group will develop multiple live-action films based on the adventures that play out in the 54-volume collection.

Award-winning author of the book series, Mary Pope Osborne, is set to executive produce alongside her husband, Will Osborne.

The “Magic Tree House” franchise has sold over 130 million books. It chronicles the adventures of a brother and sister, Jack and Annie, as they discover a mysterious tree house and find a collection of books that transport them through history.

Will Osborne and Jenny Laird wrote the script for the first feature film, based on Book 29 titled “Christmas in Camelot.” Jack and Annie will discover the tree house after having outgrown it, but are consequently summoned to Camelot.

“We’re always looking for magical worlds to expand into potential motion picture franchises, and this is an iconic property that is beloved and recognizable around the world,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erik Feig said. “The ‘Magic Tree House’ books have been cherished by generations of readers, including my own children. We’re thrilled to bring the genius of Mary Pope Osborne’s iconic stories to the screen for their tens of millions of fans and to introduce a whole new audience to their magic.”

Before Osborne stepped on to write the feature script, he created the musical adaptation, “Magic Tree House: The Musical,” with Randy Courts. It premiered in 2007.

Gail Hochman of Brandt & Hochman is Osborne’s literary agent. Eric Brown and Rose Schwartz of Franklin, Weinrib, Rudell & Vassallo represent Osborne and the screenwriters, while Bonnie Stylides, senior vice president of business & legal affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of Lionsgate.

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