According to THR, Fox is in talks to pick up Fortunately, the Milk, which would be a live-action/animated hybrid film based on Gaiman’s children’s book. The adaptation already has a script by Bret McKenzie, with Johnny Depp producing and staring in the production, which will be directed by Edgar Wright (Shawn of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World).
The book is illustrated by Skottie Young, and was released by HarperCollins in 2014. The tale tells the story of a father who goes out to buy milk, and returns with wild tales of pirates, dinosaurs, aliens, time travel and a Volcano God.
The second project is a new UK satellite television series by Sky Arts adapting four of Gaiman’s short stories, The Guardian is reporting. Various directors will adapt each story with the theme of conjuring ‘a state between reality and hallucination.’ The series will be called Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories.
Filming is due to start in November, with Sid Gentle Films producing, and Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard directing. While none of the stories themselves have been announced, an ensemble cast will appear across all four episodes.
Gaiman has released four collections of short stories: Angels and Visitations (1993), Smoke and Mirrors (1998), Fragile Things (2006) and Trigger Warning (2015). Many of his rarer writings, including early short stories, were recently featured in a Humble Bundle (see “ 'Neil Gaiman Rarities' Humble Bundle”).
His fantasy novel American Gods is currently in development as a series for premium cable (see “ Starz Goes 'Straight to Series' With 'American Gods'”).
