Unearthed 'Worms'
Nick, Imagine team for kids pic
Thomas Schlamme ("So I Married an Axe Murderer") will direct the comedy based on Thomas Rockwell's 1972 book.
Screenwriter Bob Dolman ("Far and Away," "Willow") will adapt the book about Billy, a 10-year-old boy whose family moves to Duncanville, the earthworm capital of the U.S. Billy is so desperate to fit in at his new school that he accepts a bet that he can't eat 15 worms in 15 days.
Shooting is scheduled to begin in January, according to Albie Hecht, Nick president of film and television entertainment, who will produce along with Imagine principals Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.
Hecht said the film will feature a number of starring adult roles and has the potential for broader appeal than "Harriet the Spy," which was also based on an evergreen kids title.
"Anyone who's ever done something they didn't want to do to belong knows what it's like to eat worms," said Hecht. "That's why this film will appeal to audiences of all ages."
Nickelodeon Movies, the feature film division of the kids' cable net, has produced three features, "Harriet the Spy," "Good Burger" and "The Rugrats Movie," which Paramount will release on Nov. 20.
Imagine developed the project and brought it to Nickelodeon. Schlamme exec produces Imagine's "Sports Night" TV series, along with Grazer, Howard, Aaron Sorkin, Tony Krantz and Rob Scheidlinger.
Imagine's feature credits include the blockbusters "Liar Liar," "The Nutty Professor" and "Apollo 13." Upcoming releases include Howard's "Ed TV," Frank Oz's "Bowfinger's Big Thing" and the Eddie Murphy starrer "Life."
