About a month ago, it was announced that the creator of “The Tudors” was tackling a brand-new diverse and inclusive take on “The Great Gatsby.” The F. Scott Fitzgerald novel has been adapted numerous times over the decades with some of the biggest names at the time involved. Most recently, there was the adaptation starring Leonardo DiCaprio, for example. But now, yet another take on ‘Gatsby’ has been announced. However, this version is very different from the aforementioned adaptations. This time, Fitzgerald’s novel is getting animated.
READ MORE: ‘The Tudors’ Creator Developing An Inclusive & Diverse ‘Great Gatsby’ TV Series
According to THR, director William Joyce has signed on to helm an animated version of “The Great Gatsby.” As anyone who went to public school in the US knows, “The Great Gatsby” tells the story of the Roaring ‘20s and the drama surrounding a wealthy, but mysterious Gatsby. The animated tale will be written by Brian Selznick, who is probably best known as the author behind the book, “The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” which was used as inspiration in Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo.”
“‘Gatsby’ continues to cast a powerful spell over readers unlike any other book in American letters,” said Joyce. “Much of the power of ‘Gatsby’ comes from the enchantment of Fitzgerald’s prose. He created a vivid dreamscape that, to some degree, has eluded filmmakers since the silent era. The previous film versions were constrained by live-action, but innovative animation could finally realize the elusive quality of the novel.”
Joyce is probably best known for his screenplays for animated films such as “Epic,” “Rise of the Guardians,” and “Meet the Robinsons.” He’s set to team up with the feature animation arm of VFX house DNEG. The studio most recently worked on the VFX for “Tenet,” though obviously that doesn’t really speak to their animation bonafides, but shows the company is very talented nonetheless.
It’s unclear when the animated ‘Gatsby’ will arrive, but if for nothing else, this version should be interesting just due to its chosen medium.