While we reported recently that Tim Burton was in early talks to direct the big-screen adaptation of Ransom Rigg’s novel MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN, there’s sadly been no confirmation yet as to whether he’ll actually take the gig. While Burton ponders, 20th Century Fox are wasting no time and have begun their search for their screenwriter, with the excellent Jane Goldman (X-MEN: FIRST CLASS, KICK-ASS, STARDUST) thought to be their number one choice. As with Burton, her status on the project is still in the negotiation stage only, but if Fox can snag either one of them the movie looks like it’ll be in very safe hands – Burton’s a natural for the material and Goldman’s got a talent for fantasy, in fact she’s not scripted a dud yet (THE WOMAN IN BLACK pending, but we’re only concerned about Radcliffe to be honest).

We’ll have more on this as it develops, but in the meantime here’s the book’s synopsis we just nicked from Amazon in case you’re unfamiliar with the source material:

‘A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. And a strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children who once lived here – one of whom was his own grandfather – were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a desolate island for good reason. And somehow – impossible though it seems – they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.’

For our previous story on the project (including a rather nifty Burton-esque trailer for the book!) click HERE.

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