Laika Studios picks up “Goblins” novel for animated feature

PanARMENIAN.Net - Laika, the Hillsboro animation studio owned by Nike co-founder Phil Knight, acquired an option to produce a movie version of a new book called "Goblins" by British writer Philip Reeve, Oregon Live reported.

The studio said that longtime Laika animator Mark Gustafson, who served as animation director on Wes Anderson's "Fantastic Mr. Fox," would direct the new film.

The novel is the story of a young goblin, Sharper, who anticipates the return of an evil sorcerer to the land of Clovenstone.

Laika is run by Knight's son, animator Travis Knight. The studio is preparing to release its second feature, a stop-motion picture called "Paranorman," in August. Its first movie, "Coraline," was a critical favorite and unexpected commercial success.

Last year, Laika acquired an option to film "Wildwood," a fantasy novel by Colin Meloy, singer and songwriter for the Portland band The Decemberists.

Optioned books don't always turn into films. Production problems, changes inside a studio and other issues can derail a project. But "Goblins" is further along than many books, since it already has Gustafson signed on to direct.