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Where's Wally?... the movie

Iconic kids book will (somehow) become a live-action film from MGM

Hollywood studio MGM have announced that they plan to make a live-action film based on the popular 'Where's Wally?' series of books.

We have no idea how this one will work. Not only does the series have a different title in North America, the less insulting but infinitely more boring 'Where's Waldo?', but just how will they transfer the central idea to the big screen?

[See more: New Princess Diana movie planned]

The books require eagle-eyed readers to find the tiny character in an enormous themed location.

Here is Jonathan Glickman, President of MGM, revealing what he thinks about the project: “We are thrilled to be bringing the search for Waldo to the big screen. We look forward to making a worldwide adventure that will appeal to Where’s Waldo? fans of all ages.”  So not much detail at all then.

But who could play the be-spectacled hero. Our money's on Daniel Radcliffe.

Amazingly, it's not the most bizarre project currently in development in Hollywood.

Next year we'll get a big screen version of classic board game 'Battleship' (with a cameo from Rihanna).

There have also been scripts developed for Rubik's Cube, Ouija Board and Monopoly films.

Four more classic kids books that could be ruined by a Hollywood update

1 - The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Simple-but-brilliant Jeff Brown book offers plenty of food-related product placements opportunities thanks to constant meals eaten by protagonist. Slight plot leaves room for comedy streetwise beetle sidekick – possibly voiced by Tracy Morgan.

Tagline: This caterpillar had too much on his plate!

2 – Mr. Tickle

Hollywood’s love of sequels makes the Mr. Men series perfect for a film series, starting with most enduring character – Mr Tickle. His love of ‘inappropriate touching’ might make a potential kids flick a tough sell, though.

Tagline: He’s been caught red handed!

3 – The Tiger Who Came to Tea


Judith Kerr’s short story is still popular today - there’s even a stage version - so it’s strange the movie rights haven’t been snapped up already.  A tiger invites himself round for dinner; cue madcap digitally enhanced adventures involving an evil zoo owner played by a bored Sir Ben Kingsley.

Tagline:
The cat who got the cream...tea!

4 – Flat Stanley

English boy gets flattened by bulletin board and eventually helps catch art thieves... but not in the Hollywood version, which sees CGI scamp relocated to America, re-named ‘Zack’ and battling a half-robot super villain. Could help with America’s obesity crisis.

Tagline: This summer, go flat hunting!

Got any more books from your childhood that you hope Hollywood never defiles? Lets us know below...