Feature Film Adaptation Of ‘Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark’ Has Found Its Screenwriter

Last year we heard that CBS Films was planning to give us their take on ‘Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark‘ and now nearly a year later we finally have an update on the project to share with you.

While it was originally reported that Patrick Melton (‘The Collector’) and Marcus Dunstan (‘Saw IV’) were planning on tackling the adaption for Alvin Schwartz’s classic tales, it now sounds as if the studio has tapped John August to handle the screenwriting process. August is famously known for his work that lands in Tim Burton’s lap having previously written the screenplays for ‘Big Fish,’ ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ ‘Corpse Bride,’ ‘Dark Shadows,’ and ‘Frankenweenie.’

With the surreal world that original author Alvin Schwartz had created with his series and August’s past working relationship, this seems like it could be an ideal playground for the mad genius of Tim Burton. While most of us were a little miffed with how ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ came together, his work on ‘Frankenweenie‘ really wants me to see him working on a kid’s film again. Or, multiple kid’s film as the studio has optioned the rights to three of the books, ‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,’ ‘More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark,’ and ‘Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones,’ Each of these books contain 20 or so short stories which could be adapted to either a few anthology films coming out or extended versions from the source material.

It’ll be a fine line to walk between scary and family friendly. While the books have been some of the best-selling children’s books in the past, they have also been some of the most banned from libraries due to content. I mean, honestly, I could see a Burton directorial announcement in the near future even though that might just be more wishful thinking on my part.

What do you think of the writer changes for the cinematic take on ‘Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark’? Do you think that this would work better as a live action or animated film? Finally do you think that August’s attachment may be a hint that Burton could end up being attached to film and would that raise or lower your expectations from it? Share your thoughts below!

Source: Deadline