Paramount eyes Burger for 'NIMH'

Project is based on Robert C. O'Brien's book

By DAVE MCNARY

Don Bluth helmed MGM's 1982 adaptation, 'The Secret of NIMH.'

Paramount’s in talks with director Neil Burger to adapt children’s book “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH,” with Cary Granat to produce the film.

Project’s based on Robert C. O’Brien’s 1971 book about a widowed field mouse who enlists escaped lab rats to help her prevent the destruction of her home by a farmer’s plow.

MGM adapted the book in 1982 as animated feature “The Secret of NIMH,” directed by Don Bluth. Paramount hasn’t indicated whether the new version will be live action, animated or a combination.

Former Walden exec Granat most recently produced “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Burger’s directing credits include “The Illusionist” and “The Lucky Ones.”