20/07/2010

Daniel Radcliffe, best known for his iconic Harry Potter turn, will play the lead in the film adaptation of Susan Hill’s bestseller The Woman in Black. James Watkins (Eden Lake [+see also:
trailer
film profile]) will direct from a script by Jane Goldman (Kick-Ass, The Debt).

The film follows a young lawyer, Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe), who is ordered to travel to a remote corner of the UK and sort out a recently deceased client’s papers. As he works alone in an old and isolated house, Kipps begins to uncover its tragic secrets.

Exclusive Media and Alliance Films are co-financing. Alliance Films will also distribute the film in the UK through Momentum, Spain through Aurum and Canada. Exclusive Films International, headed by Chairman Guy East and President of International Sales and Distribution Alex Walton, is handling worldwide sales.

Simon Oakes for Exclusive’s Hammer Films label and Richard Jackson at Talisman Films are producing the film. Exclusive’s Nigel Sinclair and Guy East are serving as Executive Producers, along with Roy Lee for Vertigo Entertainment (The Ring).

Watkins said, “'When I met Dan, it was quite uncanny how closely our thoughts on the story mirrored each other. I can't wait to get down to work with him to fashion a compelling character and a classy ghost story that tugs at the heart and chills to the bone.”

Radcliffe said, “I am incredibly excited to be part of The Woman in Black. Jane Goldman's script is beautifully written – both tender and terrifying in equal measure. It is thrilling to be working with James Watkins. From his brilliant work on Eden Lake and also having met him and heard his vision for the film, I know he will make a fantastic film.”

Production is expected to begin in the autumn.