Stephen King’s ‘Firestarter’ remake announced

Los Angeles, Apr 29 (PTI) Oscar-winner Akiva Goldsman and Blumhouse's Jason Blum will work on a remake of Stephen King's classic "Firestarter".

Goldsman and Blum announced the project during Overlook Film Festival at Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood, after the premiere of Goldsman-directed "Stephanie", reported Ace Showbiz.

"No one knows about this at all," said Blum, who received Visionary Award at the horror film festival.

"Akiva and Stephen King have a long relationship. We wouldn't do it unless he had blessed it," Blum added.

Blum also announced that King would have a producing credit on the production.

"He wouldn't do it unless he trusted Akiva's hand with it. We're already working on it and now it's official," said Blum.

Besides serving as the director, Goldsman would pen "Firestarter" script with Scott Teems.

He stated that he and his team would focus on the original novel instead of the 1984 adaptation.

"We're going to be looking back to the book to do it well. We have tremendous love for the original object. Scott is a wonderful writer... He's typing very fast because there's a writers strike coming. We're really looking forward to attending the text the way it was written," said Goldsman.

"Firestarter" follows a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities, which enable her to create and control fire with the mind.

A secret government agency later abducts her and tries to use her gift as a weapon. The first feature film adaptation was released by Universal in 1984, starring Drew Barrymore with Mark L. Lester directing.

Goldsman is no stranger to working on Stephen King- related project.

He recently wrote "The Dark Tower", which is based on King's book series. Goldsman is also known for penning critically acclaimed "A Beautiful Mind" and "Cinderella Man".