See-Saw Films signs deal to remake The Neverending Story as new series of movies
They promised us a never-ending story and then it… ended.
But now Michael Ende’s 1979 beloved fantasy classic is being adapted in a new film series from See-Saw Films, the Australian-British production house behind The King’s Speech, Lion and Slow Horses.
There is no writer, director or cast attached yet but the hunt is on after See-Saw signed a deal with Ende’s estate.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.See-Saw Films’ Iain Canning and Emile Sherman said in a statement, “Michael Endes’ The Neverending Story is a beloved book that has captured the imagination of generations of fans all over the world.
“We have such love for the book and are honoured to be working with Michael Ende Productions on this collaboration to bring audiences back to Fantastica.”
The Neverending Story tells the story of a young boy, Bastian, who is transported to the world of Fantastica after reading about the land in a book. There, he must battle a force called “The Nothing”.
German filmmaker Wolfgang Petersen directed the 1984 screen adaptation, the first in an eventual trilogy with the second and third movies released in 1990 and 1994. The films were a childhood touchstone for younger Gen X-ers and older Gen Y-ers, and they were also famous for their theme song by Limahl.
Michael Ende Production’s Roman Hocke said, “The Neverending Story is more than just a story. It is THE story of all stories, because it tells us, alongside the breath-taking journey of Atreyu and Bastian in a fantasy world, the real reason why stories play such an important role in our lives that we want to internalise them in all shapes and forms throughout our lives.
“Without stories, there would be no individuality, no personalities, no sense of meaning in the world. We want to transform this unique story into a great cinematic work of art for a wide audience.”
In the young adult space, See-Saw Films has successfully adapted the Heartstopper graphic novels into the acclaimed Netflix series, centred on LGBTQI+ teens embarking on their first romances.
The company has also done The Essex Serpent, Top of the Lake, The Royal Hotel, The Stranger, Ammonite, The Power of the Dog, Slow West and Shame. The King’s Speech won four Oscars including a best picture gong for Sherman and Canning.
