“The Help” filmmaker Tate Taylor is returning to DreamWorks, which has hired him to direct its adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ bestselling thriller novel “The Girl on the Train,” the studio announced Thursday.
DreamWorks acquired the rights to “The Girl on the Train” in 2014 prior to its publication and set Erin Cressida Wilson to adapt the book.
The story follows a woman named Rachel who is devastated by her recent divorce. She spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until she sees something shocking happen there one morning and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds.
Marc Platt will produce the film, while Jared LeBoff of Marc Platt Productions will serve as executive producer.
“With ‘The Help,’ Tate deftly adapted a beloved novel into a compelling film that stayed true to its origin while pleasing fans and moviegoers alike,” said Holly Bario, president of production at DreamWorks Studios. “We are excited to have Tate back at DreamWorks and thrilled that he’s joining us on this journey as we bring another bestseller to theaters.”
“Bringing rich material to the screen in the filmmaker-friendly environment DreamWorks provides is a director’s dream,” Taylor said. “I’m honored to be a part of this.”
“The Girl on the Train” is the fastest-selling adult novel in history with over two million copies sold in the United States alone since it was published in January by Riverhead Books. It landed in the top spot on the New York Times bestseller list its first week and has remained there for the past 17 weeks.
Taylor wrote and directed “The Help,” which was nominated for four Oscars including Best Picture, with Octavia Spencer winning Best Supporting Actress. His screenplay for the civil rights era film was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay by BAFTA and the WGA, which also recognized him with the Paul Selvin Honorary Award for his script.
Taylor, who most recently directed the James Brown biopic, “Get on Up,” is represented by CAA and attorney Stephen Clark.