LOCKSMITH ANIMATION Options Marissa Meyer's New York Times Bestselling THE LUNAR CHRONICLES series of novels

In its first major acquisition since the release of its debut feature film Ron’s Gone Wrong (longlisted for BAFTA), London-based Locksmith Animation today announced it has optioned Marissa Meyer’s best-selling The Lunar Chronicles series of novels including Cinder, 2012; Scarlet, 2013; Cress, 2014, and Winter 2015, published by Feiwel & Friends.

The series, which focuses on a reimagining of classic fairy tale heroines, has been a sensation since the first volume was published on January 3, 2012.

The Lunar Chronicles is set in a futuristic world, beset by a pandemic, where Earth and its former colony Luna, exist in a perpetual state of unrest and tension. In Cinder, the first book, a teenage cyborg named Cinder (based on ‘Cinderella’) deals with her wicked step-mother, finds love and discovers secrets about herself. As the series continues, Cinder forges an alliance with Scarlet, a spaceship pilot; Cress, an imprisoned computer hacker, and Winter, a Lunar princess. Along with a diverse crew that includes a soldier, a criminal, and a royal guard, they must work together to rise up against the evil Queen Levana to save the country and possibly even the world.

Praise for The Lunar Chronicles:

“This series offers a high coolness factor by rewriting Cinderella as a kickass mechanic in a plague-ridden future.” – Kirkus Reviews

“’Cyborg’ Cinderella is a brilliant and fresh take on the classic fairy tale.” – Fantasy Book Review (UK)

“Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.” – YA Books Central

“We are huge Marissa Meyer fans and cannot wait to bring Cinder, Scarlett, Cress and Winter to a worldwide audience through the talents of our extraordinary team,” said Locksmith Animation CEO Natalie Fischer. “This unforgettable series has garnered huge praise and popularity and we are determined to give this material the treatment it deserves.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to be working with the team at Locksmith to adapt The Lunar Chronicles for the screen,” said Meyer. “Everyone has shown so much enthusiasm for these books and characters, and hearing about Locksmith’s vision for the project gives me the best kind of chills. I am as eager as readers are to see Cinder, Prince Kai, and the rest of the Rampion Crew brought to life with stunning animation, and a lot of love!”

“At Locksmith, we are always looking for material that will give viewers a contemporary and authentic perspective,” said Co-Founder and President of Production Julie Lockhart, who was also the producer on Ron’s Gone Wrong. “Marissa’s books successfully turn well known fairy tales into an epic, modern saga that will be engaging and relevant to today’s audiences. We could not be more thrilled about collaborating with her on bringing her vision to life through animation. “

Meyer was represented in the deal by Creative Artists Agency in association with Jill Grinberg Literary Management.

About Marissa Meyer

Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, The Renegades Trilogy as well as the graphic novel duology Wires and Nerve. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a MA in Publishing from Pace University. In addition to writing, Marissa hosts The Happy Writer podcast. She lives near Tacoma, Washington with her husband and twin daughters.

About Locksmith Animation

Locksmith Animation, a premier producer of CG animated movies for global audiences based in London, saw its debut film Ron’s Gone Wrong released by 20th Century Studios and Disney on October 22, 2021. Locksmith is in production on That Christmas, a holiday film based on the children’s book series by filmmaker Richard Curtis, and is developing an original musical/comedy set up at Warner Bros. Pictures. Locksmith Animation is part of the Sister group of companies.

Locksmith Animation’s debut feature film Ron’s Gone Wrong has made the BAFTA Long List in the Best Animated Film category and has been nominated for two Annie Awards. It garnered a CinemaScore of A during its theatrical release in October, 2021 and is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes while attaining a RT Audience Score of 94%. Directed by Sarah Smith (Arthur Christmas) and Jean-Philippe Vine (Inside Out) and written by Smith and Pete Baynham, whose previous writing collaboration was Arthur Christmas, Ron’s Gone Wrong is currently available on BluRay/DVD and a variety of digital platforms and is streaming on Disney+ and HBO Max.

www.locksmithanimation.com

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Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!