‘Eloise’ Live-Action Movie in the Works

“Eloise,” the beloved children’s book about a mischievous young girl who lives on the “tippy-top floor” of New York City’s famed Plaza Hotel, is being adapted into a live-action movie.

Linda Woolverton is writing the movie for MRC Films, the independent studio behind “Knives Out” and “Mortal Engines.” MRC recently acquired film, television and stage rights for the series of leisurely reads written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight. Neither a director nor key cast members have been announced yet.

“I couldn’t be more excited and honored to adapt Kay Thompson’s delightful book and character for the screen with MRC Film,” Woolverton said. “I absolutely love Eloise for her mischievousness, her irreverence, her imagination and made-up words. Her playground, the Plaza Hotel, is an iconic symbol of all that’s wonderful about New York City.”

Eloise has been the subject of made-for-television movies, including “Eloise at the Plaza” and “Eloise at Christmastime” for Walt Disney TV in 2003. An animated TV series called “Me, Eloise!” ran on the Starz Kids and Family Network in 2006.

MRC Films and Woolverton are working with Handmade Films, the Thompson estate, Knight and book publisher Simon & Schuster on the upcoming adaptation. Handmade’s Trudi Francis will executive produce the film.

Woolverton was the screenwriter for numerous Disney classics, such as “Beauty and the Beast,” which she also adapted for the stage, “The Lion King,” “Maleficent,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” She’s the first female screenwriter with sole credit on a film to gross over $1 billion at the global box office.

“Linda has helped create some of the most beloved characters of all time,” said MRC Film co-presidents Brye Adler and Jonathan Golfman. “We are honored and beyond excited to be partnering with her; and can’t wait to see her bring all of Eloise’s charm and heart and rascally-ness to life.”

More from Variety

• MRC Lands Film, TV, Live Stage Rights to Kay Thompson's 'Eloise'

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