Travis Knight, the director of ‘Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell,’ has an established background in film direction. One of his other significant directorial works is the 2018 movie ‘Bumblebee,’ a Transformers franchise film that received positive reviews for its fresh take on the series.
Author Susanna Clarke’s best-selling fantasy novel ‘Piranesi‘ is getting the animated feature treatment. Laika Studios has acquired the 2020 book, with their CEO, Travis Knight, set to direct this ambitious project. The novel Piranesi, which won the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction, centers on its titular narrator arriving in a parallel universe filled with endless rooms and hallways where newcomers gradually lose their sense of self.
Helming Alongside Masters of the Universe
Knight is also directing Amazon MGM Studios’ live-action Masters of the Universe feature, set to release in 2026, featuring Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man. His other directorial achievements include Bumblebee (2019) and the Oscar-nominated animated movie Kubo and the Two Strings (2016). The recently announced adaptation joins another anticipated Knight-directed project, Laika’s animated film Wildwood, which includes voice work from Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, and Awkwafina.
A Book Close to Heart
Piranesi is a treasure and very dear to me,” Knight said in a statement. “As a filmmaker, I can scarcely imagine a more joyful experience than wandering through the worlds Susanna dreamed into being. She’s one of my all-time favorite authors, and with Piranesi, Susanna has created a beautiful, devastating and ultimately life-affirming work of art. I’m humbled that she chose Laika as her home.
Piranesi marks Clarke’s second novel following the landmark success of ‘Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell’. Her debut novel received widespread acclaim for its elaborate world-building and Napoleonic-fantastical themes. It was adapted into a well-received 2015 BBC miniseries starring Bertie Carvel and Eddie Marsan.
Blending Worlds Through Animation
This paragraph explains Susanna Clarke’s background and connection to the TV adaptation mentioned in the article.
The animation genre has been one of Clarke’s favorites growing up. Reflecting on Laika, she shared, I’ve been inspired by so many animated movies; and Laika has produced such extraordinary work — movies like Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, full of beauty and wonder and weirdness. I’m thrilled that Piranesi has found a home with them, and I can’t wait to see what they do.
Continuing Success in Animation
Laika Studios has consistently earned acclaim for their unique animation styles and engaging storytelling, each receiving Oscar nominations—films such as ParaNorman and Missing Link. Their latest undertaking with Piranesi continues this tradition of pushing artistic boundaries within animation.
Follow Us
