Read Them Quick! There Are Films Coming

I can't read a book once I've seen the film. And even if I haven't seen the film, I can't read the book with the movie tie-in cover because I believe it makes me look less cool (says the man wearing the shirt that reads "reality is for people who can't handle science fiction"). As a book fan I am fascinated by this process and how screenwriters and directors can sometimes get things so right...and sometimes get things terribly wrong.  The list below is made up of books that are about to undergo the novel-to-film treatment.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Gary Ross, director of Seabiscuit and Pleasatville, is directing this adaptation. This futuristic thriller in which the characters participate in a life or death competition is due for release in 2012, with the two other books Catching Fire and Mockingjay following soon after.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

Martin Scorsese is currently hard at work creating the film version of this popular childrens novel about an orphan boy in 1930s Paris who lives in the walls of a train station. The film has an all star cast including Emily Mortimer, Jude Law and Sacha Baron Cohen. Due for release around Christmas 2011.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A $40 million production is set to commence in Sydney later this year, with Baz Luhrmann (Australia, Moulin Rouge) directing. Leondardo DiCaprio has been cast as Jay Gatsby with Tobey Maguire as Nick Carroway. To be released in 2012.

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

The Wachowski Brothers who directed The Matrix films and produced V for Vendetta recently acquired the rights to David Mitchell's novel. They are apparently going to co-direct the film with Tom Tykwer, who made Run Lola Run and Perfume. It sounds like a good team to bring this story to the screen as it's fairly complex and there should be some amazing visuals. To be relaesed in 2012.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

After years in development The Hobbit is finally coming to screens and, taking a page out of the Harry Potter playbook, it's going to be spread across two films. Peter Jackson is back directing and it's all going to be shot in 3D. Part one will be released at the end of 2012, with part two following at the end of 2013.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane Austen

Several directors have been attached and at one point it looked like Natalie Portman would be taking the lead role. This book definitely lends itself to being filmed and the results could be absolutley hilarious. My advice would be to hand it over the people that made Zombieland.

The Passage by Justin Cronin

Still in the very early stages of development, Justin Cronin's post-apocalyptic tale of vampiric zombies and an epic quest across a ruined America was purchased by Ridley Scott's production company before the ink was even dry on the proof copies! Sold for a rumoured $3 million price tag, expect a big epic to match the scale of the book. No release date has yet been scheduled.

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

This Ian McEwen novel takes place on the wedding night of a young couple in 1950s Britain. Sam Mendes, director of American Beauty and Revolutionary Road is attached to direct, and had apparently cast Carey Mulligan (An Education) in the lead female role. However, Mendes is apparently about to start work on the next James Bond film so don't expect this one to surface for some time. Possible release in 2013.

One Day by David Nicholls

Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess star in this adaptation of David Nicholls' novel. Nicholls himself wrote the screenplay and it's been directed by Lone Scherfig, who also directed the excellent film version of An Education. It will be interesting to see how this unique novel is brought to the screen, as each chapter visits the lives of the characters on 15 July on successive years. Due for release mid-late 2011.

The Dark Tower by Stephen King

To be directed by Ron Howard, this sprawling epic could potentially be one of the biggest productions in cinema history. The plot follows Roland, the last of the Gunslingers, on an epic quest across Mid-World to discover the location of the titular Tower and hopefully find a way to stop all worlds from ending. Fans of the series will be ecstatic to know that rather than cram all 7 books into one film, Howard plans to make a trilogy of films that are to be supported by TV miniseries that will bridge the gaps between the films. Word is that Javier Bardem has been offered the lead role of Roland Deschain. To be released in 2013.

Truth by Peter Temple

Australian director and founder of Tropfest John Polson has optioned the film rights for Peter Temple's Truth. To be filmed in Victoria with a high-profile Australian cast, this film is expected in cinemas at some point in 2012.