The Bartimaeus Sequence is an award-winning young adult fantasy series by author Jonathan Stroud. It consists of the trilogy Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye, and Ptolemy’s Gate. It is followed by a prequel titled The Ring of Solomon. These books sold 6 million copies worldwide and were published in 35 languages. After a brief stint with move rights under Miramax, the possibility of seeing the story on the screen comes back to life with Start Media.
Per Deadline, Start Media’s Michael Maher is taking on the project. He is best known for his work on Passengers, a film starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. Maher confesses he spent many years getting the rights after being a long-time fan of the books since they were first published in 2003. Maher also holds interest in a Florida movie chain called Paragon and Graphic India, as well as a comic book and animated studio in Bangalore. Maher is supposed to produce in partnership with S/B Film’s Ella Bishop, Pau Suris, and Jake Cheetham.
Miramax originally bought the rights for $3 million in 2002. Several scripts were written but the project fell away when Miramax chief Harvey Weinstein and his brother Bob left to form their own company.
NEWS!
Iโm thrilled to announce that Start Media has optioned film and TV rights to BARTIMAEUS!Read all about it via @Deadline: https://t.co/rpjkeaVtFu@DHAbooks @PenguinRH_News pic.twitter.com/S4svlD8aeQ
— Jonathan Stroud (@JonathanAStroud) May 31, 2019
The story takes place in a world where magicians govern society and live in a state of elitism over the commoners who do not know magic. These magicians utilize spirits that are summoned from the Other Place to enforce their will. The story follows three central characters. Nathaniel, a young and ambitious magician, Kitty, a rebellious commoner, and Bartimaeus, a brash and headstrong djinni.
Jonathan Stroud is also the author of the very successful series called Lockwood & Co. He is based in the United Kingdom and is known for his caring attitude towards fans and his penchant for writing deep, emotional, and complex characters.
