David Peterson, the creator of the hit graphic novel series Mouse Guard has long wanted to see his comic brought to life on the big screen. The award-winning material certainly fits the mold as it centers on a bunch of medieval mouse soldiers in a world without humans. But Peterson only wanted it adapted if just the right people could be found, and it looks like that is now the case.
According to THR, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story screenwriter Gary Whitta has come aboard to pen the screenplay. He'll be joined by producer Matt Reeves, best known for directing Cloverfield and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Reeves' inclusion is key because the live-action film will use similar motion-capture technology as was used in his 'Apes' film. Why doesn't Reeves direct it himself? Well, he's a little busy in post-production on War for the Planet of the Apes which opens next summer.
The key will be figuring out how best to adapt Mouse Guard's all-ages material. They'll need to take a similar approach as Disney's The Jungle Book, combining some light-hearted elements with some that are considerably darker. There's a built-in audiences, though, with toys and an official role playing game designed around Peterson's characters.
