According to THR, Johnny Depp has a film set up at Warner Bros. called Mortimer Wintergreen. Haven’t heard of it? Neither have we. Well apparently, the film now has a writer. Directing duties have already been given to Susanna White, who you may know from Nanny McPhee Returns, and now scripting duties have been handed to Jack Thorne, who is perhaps best known for his work on the TV series Skins.
The film is said to loosely adapt the YA novel The Magic Hat of Mortimer Wintergreen and it follows “two siblings who, after fleeing from an evil aunt, encounter a traveling magician, Mortimer Wintergreen.” It should be noted that Depp is producing and while he is expected to star as well, the decision will ultimately come down to script approval and his schedule. From the sounds of it though, especially given what type of role this is (something that seems very suited to Depp), I’d be surprised if he didn’t take the part of the travelling magician.
It sounds like the film will likely target families and the lead role sounds like it will be a bit whimsical, which is perfect for someone like Johnny Depp. I’m not too familiar with the novel that the film will be based on but it seems like a good family flick that will likely ride on the coattails of its star. The only thing that has me puzzled here is why they’d choose Thorne to adapt a story like this, given that he’s known for Skins which is most definitely not in the family friendly zone. If Depp signs on to star though, we should have nothing to worry about.
What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing Mortimer Wintergreen? Would you like to see Johnny Depp star in it? Let us know in the comments below.
