Powerhouse Directors Collaborate on a Bold New Adaptation of ‘Huckleberry Finn’

Prepare for an unexpected journey down the Mississippi River. Universal has just acquired the rights to ‘James,’ a modern reinterpretation of Mark Twain’s classic ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Percival Everett. This project has attracted major talent, with Steven Spielberg and Taika Waititi at the helm. Spielberg will serve as executive producer through Amblin Partners, while Waititi is in early discussions to direct, according to Variety.

Following the critical acclaim of the adaptation of Everett’s ‘Erasure’ into the Oscar-winning ‘American Fiction,’ ‘James’ has become a bestseller. Everett, a Pulitzer finalist, adds this story to his impressive collection of 30 books. The novel reimagines Twain’s classic by centring on Jim, who hides on Jackson Island to avoid being sold and separated from his family. 

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Huck Finn, on the other hand, fakes his own death to escape his abusive father, leading to a harrowing journey down the Mississippi River.

Twain’s original novel, published in 1884, is a cornerstone of American literature, renowned for its themes of friendship, freedom, and social justice. The characters of Huck and Jim are iconic, and their story continues to resonate in various cultural contexts. ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ has seen numerous adaptations, each offering a unique take on the river adventure. 

From the 1920 silent film to Mickey Rooney’s 1939 portrayal and Disney’s family-friendly 1993 version with Elijah Wood, each adaptation has tackled Twain’s complex themes in different ways. Now, ‘James’ shifts the focus to Jim’s perspective, promising a fresh and contemporary twist on this classic tale.

Looking ahead, Spielberg, a three-time Oscar winner, is set to direct a major film for Universal in 2026 starring Emily Blunt. Meanwhile, Waititi, who won an Oscar for ‘Jojo Rabbit,’ is in post-production on Sony’s ‘Klara and the Sun’ starring Jenna Ortega. 

–Farheen Ali