'Black Beauty' rides again in Thompson helm debut
The $ 15 million film, based on Anna Sewell's novel, will be produced by Robert W. Shapiro. Sources also said the studio has greenlighted the film, which is scheduled to begin principal photography Aug. 1.
The deal was made by Thompson's William Morris agent, John Burnham. She also wrote the film's screenplay, based on the book.
Thompson's credits include "The Addams Family," written with Larry Wilson; "Edward Scissorhands"; "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey," written with Linda Wolverton; and WB's recently completed "The Secret Garden."
Shapiro ("Empire of the Sun,""Arthur 2") also produced Tim Burton's feature directorial debut, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure."
"Black Beauty," the story of a little girl's love for her horse, has been turned into movies previously, including in 1946 with Richard Denning and Evelyn Ankers and 1971 with Mark Lester and Walter Slezak.
