Jeff Smith's Bone Coming to the Big Screen

Warner Brothers acquired the rights to Jeff Smith’s epic graphic novel Bone four years ago, and now the project has a writer and director. P.J. Hogan (Peter Pan, My Best Friend’s Wedding) is reportedly attached to direct and Patrick Sean Smith (TV’s Greek) is attached to adapt the screenplay.

The 1,342 page graphic novel was released from 1991 to 2004, and gained a cult following in those years and ever since. The series hasn’t slowed down with one off sequels and novel/graphic novel hybrid books set in the Bone universe stilling forthcoming. If you’ve never read a single issue of Bone, the story centers around the Bone brothers who left their home of Boneville to discover a mythical valley filled with dragons, rat creatures, and insular townspeople incredulous of outsiders. The story has many memorable and beloved characters all supported by Jeff Smith’s idiomatic art style and endearing, timeless story. In short, this book is perfect for adapting to the screen, if done right. Right?

I’m a huge fan of Bone, in case you can’t tell. I discovered the series at my small hometown comic shop sometime in the mid 90s, likely based on a simple attraction to its simple yet intricate art. I remember picking up one of the reissued books and becoming instantly enamored with the world Jeff Smith had crafted. It is one of the most rewarding comic book experiences I have ever had, and I have gone back several more times to re-read the story, which shows on my visibly well-loved copy of the one book edition. The problem with being a Bone fanboy is that I’m not sure how I feel about this news from Warner Brothers.

P.J. Hogan doesn’t strike me as a particularly visionary director. Obviously, I’m basing this strictly on his film pedigree, which strikes me as lacking. Would I rather have a Chris Columbus, Guillermo Del Toro or Peter Jackson adapting this much beloved book? Yes, but I will give WB the benefit of the doubt for now, since they haven’t even released how this film or films will look. How will they successfully adapt this massive work? Thankfully Bone is so well told in such a visual way that hopefully Hogan is wise enough to try and bring those comic panels to life rather than spin it his own way or put his mark on it. I’m guessing this film will be completely computer animated, but a live-action /CG hybrid is also possible, but unlikely, as that would be far more expensive. Also, the biggest issue could be WB’s dedication to see the series through as a trilogy, and not try and cram a truncated story into a meager 90 minutes. Please, WB, make this a trilogy, and adapt it faithfully.

Oh, and if you haven’t read Bone, go and get it. Now. You won’t be disappointed.

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Tags: 2012 Comic Book Movies, Jeff Smith, Bone