The Little Prince, by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, is one of the most beloved and popular children’s books in print. Since its publication in 1943, Le Petit Prince has been translated into over 230 languages, capturing the hearts of many children and adults around the globe.
And now, it’s about to have one more translation — into film! Of course, this isn’t the first film based on the book. Over the years, The Little Prince has been adapted for television or film more than a dozen times., The most well known adaptation might be Stanley Donen’s 1974 musical version.
The CGI-stop motion film, which comes out in October, is directed by Mark Osborne, who co-directed Kung Fu Panda. It will feature the voice talents of James Franco, Benicio Del Toro, Rachel McAdams, and Ricky Gervais.
The Little Prince tells the story of a pilot who, after crashing his plane in a desert, meets a mysterious prince fallen to earth from a distant planet. The two carry on a conversation about life’s big questions, which features some of the most memorable dialogue of any children’s book. (“You become responsible forever for what you tame.”)
The book is fanciful and imaginative, and features bright illustrations from the author. Judging from this brief trailer, the film may have figured out how to translate the book’s tone and style to the big screen. The use of a gorgeous rendition of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know” by Lily Allen makes it even better.
And don’t worry if you don’t speak French: an English version will be released, too!
Take a look at the trailer above.
(H/t Digg)
