As the world not so eagerly anticipates the sequel to 2009’s action-figure-to-big screen extravaganza “G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra,” here is a bit of Stephen Sommers news to help make that wait a little more bearable. Screen Daily (via ComingSoon) has confirmed that Sommers is set to direct an adaptation of Dean Koontz‘s “Odd Thomas“.
“Odd Thomas” is the first in a series of novels about the titular character, a clairvoyant short-order cook, as he navigates adventure after adventure in his small town near the desert. So basically, it’s like Haley Joel Osment‘s character from “The Sixth Sense” grew up and changed his name from Cole Sear to Odd Thomas and now helps dead folks out while simultaneously serving food to the living. Anyway, in the first book headed to the big screen, it will find the hero following a stranger who may have information on some of the world’s most dangerous killers. Spooky! When Thomas is not helping the dead and serving the living, the rest of his world revolves around the love of his life, the X-Men sounding Stormy Llewellyn.
“As soon as I read the book, I felt compelled to turn it into a movie,” Sommers said. “It’s a fantastic love affair between these wonderful characters. The story combines action with heart, laughs and scares. It felt right to be doing this independently and I’m excited to take this to the market.” All of this is basically code for, “I really hope this turns into a franchise that will keep me employed for the next few years.”
The book was adapted by Sommers himself and the picture has a $47 million budget in place. No word yet when it will go in front of cameras. — Scott Taylor
