Pratchett's The Amazing Maurice adapted for animation

Terry Pratchett’s 28th Discworld novel, The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents (Doubleday), is being adapted into the first animated feature film of the author's books.

Independent film companies Ulysses Filmproduktion and Cantilever Media have announced the development of a new animated family film, “The Amazing Maurice” based on The Amazing Maurice, the first in the Discworld series aimed at children’s. The screenplay will be written by award-winning writer Terry Rossio (of “Shrek”, “Aladdin”, “Pirates of the Caribbean”), with the character designs by Carter Goodrich (of “Ratatouille” and “Brave”). It is not confirmed if a broadcaster is currently attached to the project.

The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents is a children’s fantasy published by Doubleday in 2001, inspired by the German fairytale about the Pied Piper of Hamelin and a parody of the folk tale genre. It follows Maurice, a streetwise cat and a child, Melissa, with their own hoard of rats who reach a stricken town of Bad Blintz. Pratchett went on to win the annual Carnegie Medal for the book.

Emely Christians, producer and c.e.o. of Ulysses Filmproduktion, said: “When I read it, I knew we had to turn this amazing novel into an amazing film. 'The Amazing Maurice' will be the first animated feature film ever made from a Terry Pratchett novel. It will get Ulysses’ complete focus and attention to detail to fulfil our promise: to make a wonderful movie from this very funny, unique, strong and awesome story.”

Andrew Baker, producer and c.e.o. of Cantilever Media, said: “As a lifelong Pratchett fan, bringing to the screen one of his most cherished novels is going to be immensely exciting. Terry Rossio’s screenplay twists and turns and produces an unexpected yet heart-warming ending, with Carter Goodrich’s designs bringing these characters to life in their own unique style, which I’m sure audiences will love.”

Rob Wilkins, executive producer and m.d. of Narrativia, said: “Bringing this story to life was so important to Terry and it upsets me that he won’t get to see the finished film, but the teams at Ulysses Filmproduktion and Cantilever Media are honouring his vision and I am absolutely delighted”.

"The Amazing Maurice" is produced by Ulysses Filmproduktion and Cantilever Media, with animation studios Studio Rakete and Squeeze Animation. It is produced by Emely Christians and Andrew Baker, and directed by Toby Genkel. Roddy McManus and Robert Chandler are attached as executive producers.