Acclaimed filmmaker Taika Waititi is currently in discussions to direct a new movie titled James, based on the novel of the same name by renowned author Percival Everett. If finalized, this would mark the second film adaptation of an Everett novel within two years, following American Fiction, which was based on his 2001 novel Erasure.

Under Cord Jefferson’s outstanding direction and Jeffrey Wright’s exquisite performance, the movie won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 96th Academy Awards, along with nominations in the categories of Best Picture and Best Actor for Wright.

American Fiction

5/5

Release Date

December 15, 2023

Producer

Michael Bowes

Production Company

T-Street / Almost Infinite / 3 Arts Entertainment

Distributor(s)

Orion Pictures , MRC Film

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Waititi has emerged as one of the industry’s most sought after directors in recent years thanks to the critical and commercial success of movies like Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder. His 2019 film Jojo Rabbit also won Best Adapted Screenplay because of its distinctive blend of humor and heart, further cementing his status as a versatile filmmaker.

Everett’s novel James serves as a modern reimagining of Mark Twain’s classic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. It is told from the perspective of an enslaved Jim, who overhears of an impending separation from his wife and daughter and embarks on an adventure of a lifetime with Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer down the Mississippi River. The book’s official synopsis reads:

“While many narrative set pieces of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place… Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.”

Everett’s retelling explores themes of race, identity, and fluid social boundaries in the American South. Waititi, who is known for infusing social commentary into entertaining dramas, is a fitting choice to bring the book’s story to the big screen.

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Beyond Waititi’s directorial vision, the planned involvement of Steven Spielberg as co-producer will only elevate the movie’s profile and potential impact. As one of the most commercially successful filmmakers of all time, Spielberg’s backing and experience with providing guidance to iconic movies like Jurassic Park and War of the Worlds, will lead to a wider audience appreciating Everett’s subversive take on Mark Twain’s classic.

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Speaking of which, Everett, who describes himself as “pathologically ironic,” is a distinguished writer and has authored over 30 works of fiction ranging in genres like western fiction, thrillers, and satire. His novels often blend absurd notions of humanity with jarring truths about identity and history in a way that’s subtle. Over the course of his career, Everett has earned the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Fiction about four times now.

Having established himself as a master of modern literary techniques, James promises to continue in the same vein for Everett. And as it turns out, ‘James’ has already made its mark and earned a spot on the New York Times’ best-selling list. Now that Waititi is in talks about bringing the novel to life, the anticipation is only growing higher.

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Waititi brings his knack for adapting revered source material like What We Do In The Shadows into crowd-pleasing comedies that leave an indelible mark on the viewers. Even his latest movie Next Goal Wins, which was based on a true story, garnered widespread acclaim. Whatever the negotiations lead to, there is no doubt in the fact that ‘James’ would be an impressive addition into Waititi’s filmography. With such a dynamic team involved, the adaptation holds the potential to captivate audiences worldwide.