Back in 2006 Reese Witherspoon produced her first feature film, “Penelope.” That Christina Ricci comedy about a girl cursed with a pig snout and ears skewed young and featured Witherspoon herself in a supporting role. It took her a while to dip her toe in the producing waters again, but after setting up production house, Pacific Standard, she looks set to do it all again.
The company has picked up the rights to develop M.A Larson’s upcoming children’s novel “Pennyroyal’s Princess Boot Camp,” with Witherspoon again eying a supporting role. The book is a modern day fairy tale and tells the story of a school that trains young girls up into warrior princesses to battle a growing coven of wicked witches.
According to Deadline, Witherspoon had the following to say about the project: “Finally, there is a princess story that reflects the values young women truly want to embody. These princesses are strong, independent and fierce and the knights are their match. In telling their story, Larson has created a magical universe that everyone will love to get lost in.”
We have to say, the story sounds pretty great to us, especially for a young female audience who may otherwise be lapping up the likes of “Twilight.” It sounds fun, and with plenty of room for a bit of action and excitement, and we can totally imagine Witherspoon being a great mentor in the school. The books on which it will be based are still on their way to stores, and we imagine this news will help sales no end. And even better for Witherspoon, 'Pennyroyal' is just the first book in a series, so if this all works out, she's got a franchise on her hands.