Those saddened by the recent news that CBS decided against picking up “Drew,” their Nancy Drew pilot, may be heartened to know that they’ll be able to catch an adaptation of another beloved female literary character in the near future. ScreenDaily reports that Lionsgate Premiere will handle U.S. distribution for “The Great Gilly Hopkins,” based on Katherine Paterson’s National Book Award-winning 1978 children’s novel.
The family film, a dramedy, follows Gilly (Sophie Nelisse, “The Book Thief”), a brazen 11-year-old who is frustrated by being shuffled between foster homes. What she really wants is to live with Courtney (Julia Stiles, “Dexter,” “10 Things I Hate About You”), her birth mother. Gilly’s latest foster mom, Trotter (Kathy Bates, “American Horror Story”), is Gilly’s nemesis, so she concocts a plan to run away to be with Courtney. Glenn Close (“Damages”) and Octavia Spencer (“The Help”) co-star.
“The Great Gilly Hopkins” will receive a multi-platform release, including a theatrical run in select cities, on October 7.
