Universal has optioned the rights to the bestselling children’s book “The Paper Bag Princess,” which will be produced by Elizabeth Banks and Margot Robbie, the studio announced Tuesday. The project is intended to be a directing vehicle for Banks.
The book, which was written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko, turns the damsel-in-distress trope on its head with a princess whose castle is destroyed by a dragon who kidnaps her fiancee. Wearing nothing but a paper bag, she runs off to rescue the prince. Katie Silberman (“Set It Up”) is attached to write the screenplay.
“Paper Bag Princess” will continue the partnership between Universal and Banks, who have together produced Banks’ hit female-fronted comedy trilogy, “Pitch Perfect.” The final installment of that trilogy will be released this Christmas. Robbie is producing the film with Tom Ackerley through LuckyChap Entertainment, which is producing Robbie’s next film, “I, Tonya,” a biopic about infamous figure skater Tonya Harding that will be released December 8.
Banks is represented by UTA, Untitled Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham LLP. Robbie and LuckyChap are represented by CAA, Management 360 and attorney Jeff Bernstein. Silberman is represented by CAA, MXN Entertainment and Myman Greenspan Fineman Fox Rosenberg & Light, LLP.