Warner Bros. Pictures Animation Developing 'Thisby Thestoop' Feature

Why It Matters

The adaptation adds a fresh, award‑recognized property to Warner's growing slate of kid‑focused animated content, opening revenue opportunities across theaters, streaming, and merchandise. Leveraging proven writing talent increases the likelihood of a successful franchise that can compete in the crowded family‑entertainment market.

Key Takeaways

• Warner Bros. Animation optioned Zac Gorman's "Thisby Thestoop" series.
• Writers Desmond and Sherman, known for "Knock at the Cabin," pen screenplay.
• Book series earned 2018 Cybils finalist and 2021 Sasquatch nomination.
• Gorman previously storyboarded Emmy‑winning "Over the Garden Wall."
• Project strengthens Warner's pipeline of family‑focused animated features.

Pulse Analysis

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is actively expanding its catalog of original family‑oriented movies, a move driven by the growing appetite for kid‑friendly content on both theatrical releases and streaming platforms. By securing the rights to Zac Gorman’s “Thisby Thestoop” series, the studio adds a fresh fantasy property that can be leveraged across sequels, merchandise, and digital spin‑offs. The decision aligns with recent industry trends where studios prioritize intellectual property that can generate long‑term revenue streams beyond the opening weekend box office.

The source material, a middle‑grade fantasy series published by HarperCollins, has already earned critical recognition as a 2018 Cybils Awards finalist and a 2021 Washington Library Association Sasquatch Book Award nominee. Its blend of humor, adventure, and relatable young heroine makes it a natural fit for animated adaptation. Author Zac Gorman brings a strong animation pedigree, having contributed storyboards to the Emmy‑winning “Over the Garden Wall” and earned an Annie nomination for “Welcome to the Wayne.” These credentials suggest a seamless translation from page to screen.

Screenwriters Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman, represented by CAA, are attached to the project after delivering high‑profile scripts such as “Knock at the Cabin” and a competitive sale of “Harry’s All‑Night Hamburgers” to Warner Bros. Their recent rewrite work on “Transformers One” and ongoing adaptations for Paramount demonstrate versatility across genres. With their proven track record of turning speculative concepts into commercially viable films, the duo is positioned to craft a screenplay that balances the book’s whimsical tone with the visual dynamism expected of modern animation, setting the stage for a potential franchise.