Franks Herbert’s Soul Catcher, first published back in 1972, has been optioned for the screen by Dimitri Villard, who was the producer behind the 1980s films Flight of the Navigator and Once Bitten.
Reported over at Deadline, Villard said, “The book is an extraordinary example of Frank Herbert’s brilliant writing, and it is something I’ve always wanted to turn into a film. I remember the rights being unavailable when I first pursued the Soul Catcher project in the ’80s, but as my producing career developed I never forgot the powerful effect the story had on me.”
The Frank Herbert Estate have given their full support towards Villard – after he negotiated with them for a year – in his pursuit in bringing Soul Catcher to the screen. Dimitri Villard is now looking to secure a director who can steer the character-driven story in the right direction; Villard has already added to the team Rene Haynes (Dances with Wolves, Twilight Saga) who specialises in Native American and First Nation castings.
The story of Soul Catcher deals with a young Native American student who kidnaps a thirteen old son of a politician with the intent to sacrifice him to right the wrongs committed against his people in the past. However, as the story continues and the chase to rescue the politician’s son escalates, the Kidnapper and hostage form a friendship which threatens to disrupt the plan.
Villordsutch likes his sci-fi and looks like a tubby Viking according to his children. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter.
Originally published August 15, 2014. Updated April 13, 2018.
