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'The Witches' Is Back To Terrify Us All Over Again

'The Witches' Is Back To Terrify Us All Over Again

Robert Zemeckis is in final negotiations to direct a brand new adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book 'The Witches'

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

We remember the first time we watched The Witches - it sounded great, especially if you'd read the book first. Our imaginations were much more innocent and then it started. We've never been the same since.

If you can relate then be prepared, because an adaptation of the 1990 film is on its way. Ready to hide behind the sofa all over again? What other nightmares from our childhoods can they dredge up? Next it'll be the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and nobody wants that.

Robert Zemeckis, the guy who directed the Back To The Future franchise and Forrest Gump, is in final negotiations to direct Warner Bros.' adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book The Witches, studio sources tell Variety.

Apparently a deal is expected shortly and Zemeckis will also pen the script - he's going to be busy.

He will write with his partner Jack Rapke producing through their banner ImageMovers, along with Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro.

Based on the 1973 novel, the film follows a seven-year-old boy who stumbles upon a coven of child-hating witches he must stop - even though he has been turned into a mouse. Like we all do at some point in childhood. Oh wait.

Robert Zemeckis.
PA

Warner Bros. had previously adapted the book in 1990 with Anjelica Huston playing one of the title characters, but sources close to the project say Zemeckis' version will be more rooted in the original source material. Well that gives us comfort.

This isn't the only Roald Dahl book that's being developed at the moment. There's a remake of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with Paddington director Paul King attached to the project.

The Witches/Warner Bros.

Recently Zemeckis has been more for the adult-centered dramas such as Flight, Allied and his upcoming Welcome to Marwen, so the return to family cinema will be refreshing for him (and hopefully us too).

And fans of Zemeckis are already getting excited, with one saying: "I am speechless. I trust that Zemeckis/Del Toro/Cuarón can deliver something dark and unsettling that sticks to the original ending."

Another added: "I will keep an eye out on this remake. Hopefully they make it closer to the book and have the main character be European instead of American. That always bothered me in the original film."

The Witches/Warner Bros.

Some aren't quite as delighted about the remake, with one person ranting on Twitter: "The one from 1990 still gives me the creeps so yeah leave it alone."

Another said: "Hollywood: STOP. IT. We DO NOT need a remake of this movie !!!!! STOOOOPPPPPP".

Hopefully Zemeckis and co. can work their magic.

Featured Image Credit: The Witches/Warner Bros.

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, Warner Bros