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Marley & Me ... the Movie
Friday, January 27, 2006
The word is out, broken in a story that ran in today's Philadelphia Inquirer: The movie studio Fox 2000 has acquired the film rights to my book Marley & Me. Heading up the project will be producer Gil Netter, whose many credits include My Best Friend's Wedding and the recently completed Flicka. I guess I don't need to say how over-the-moon thrilled I am. Of course, when it comes time to cast a Labrador retriever in the role of the incorrigible, goofball Marley, I have plenty of candidates from my rapidly growing Bad Dog Club of America. A whole host of potential stars await your inspection under the "Share Your Stories" tab of this site.
Why do I think this just might end up being the most expensive movie ever made?
Here's how the Inquirer (www.philly.com) described it:
Best-selling 'Marley & Me' is heading to the big screen
The studio Fox 2000 bought the rights to Inquirer columnist John Grogan's book about his lovable dog.
By Michael Klein, Inquirer Staff Writer
Marley & Me, Inquirer columnist John Grogan's best-selling tale about his sweet but goofy Labrador retriever, is in line to become a film.
Fox 2000, the studio that put former Inquirer columnist Jennifer Weiner's novel In Her Shoes on screen last year, bought the rights, the studio announced yesterday.
Terms were not disclosed, but the deal was "substantial," Grogan said. Such deals usually involve graduated payouts, sometimes in the high six figures or even low seven figures.
William Morrow & Co., an imprint of HarperCollins, published the book three months ago. It will be No. 2 on this Sunday's New York Times nonfiction best-seller list, with 970,000 copies in print.
The book has been on the Times list for 14 weeks and has been published in 11 languages, the studio said. It is at the top of both the Publishers Weekly and Wall Street Journal lists.
The deal was made by Creative Artists Agency in conjunction with Grogan's literary agent, Laurie Abkemeier of DeFiore & Co. Gil Netter, whose credits include Dude, Where's My Car? and My Best Friend's Wedding, is signed to produce.
Grogan, who plans to keep his day job, said Fox won out in bidding over "another major studio," which he declined to identify.
Grogan said he learned of the deal last Friday while attending a book event at the Martin County, Fla., library. "I was mingling, and my cell phone rang," he said. It was his literary agent, who had the film agent on the line. "He asked me to step outside and said, 'We have two offers, and we need to talk to you.' Fox was on the line holding, and they needed an answer." During the call, Grogan said, "the other bidder called in twice. Meanwhile, a third studio called in for more information, but they wanted till Monday.
"We got the whole thing done in about 12 minutes."
posted by John Grogan at 8:09 AM
 
31 Comments:
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Congratulations!!! I can't wait to see it!!
Please don't let Jude Law play Marley, whatEVER you do!!
Dear John:
A dear friend and member of our neighborhood dog walking group left this book in my mailbox on Friday. I read it in one sitting today, unable to leave it, knowing full well that it would bring tears before it was all over. Those of us who love our dogs so dearly are so blessed on the one hand and cursed on the other as we have them with us for such a short time yet how could we live without them? My Welsh Terrier, too, was thrown out of obedience class by a nasty terrier-hating woman who felt the need to yell at my dear lovey in German. Further investigation into the breed reveals that Welsh Terriers just don't tolerate obedience, and why should they? Congratulations on the good fortune your best friend has brought your way...
Surely this is the next level of disbelief for you. Congratulations. Marley is paying you back.
I knew it! As soon as I read your book I said to myself that this would make an awesome movie. I can't wait to see it. I also can't wait until you publish more books. Write about anything! I love your style!!
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It may have to be a computerized dog such as in the Scooby-Doo and Bullwinkle movies. You will need a Marley theme song for the kids - this is going to be a HUGE hit with the kids - the theatres will be packed!!
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Being a brit and coming from the country that is known throughout the entire world as the home of animal lovers I think it's wonderful that this book is going to be turned into a film. It will go down a storm over here I would think and also bring home the more emotionally powerful aspects of dog ownership. I've had two dog's in my life living with my parents one was a Springer Spanial call Marcus who had the same habits and mad streak as Marley
The other dog we have now is a Black Labrador called Logan who is now 11 and he has some of the traits of are "hero" in the book but us much calmer and yes he hate's thunderstorms. To John and his family I think your dog will have touched that deep rooted cord that is in the british people when it comes to animals and if any where in the world loves and laughs at what that goofy three bags short of a load dog was like then it has to be us.
The book rocked! And I am sure the film will do just as well if not better and I've noticed that all the local bookshops in my part of the world (Buckinghamshire in England) have sold out of the book and can't get enough in. I think you did Marley really proud!
There are dogs and then there are dogs. My hound/lab mix has the most beartiful marking as well as being the most loving/caring partner; but he's also full of mischief. His favorite activity when not at home is having all the dogs chase him at the park while playing hide and seek in the bushes. I can easily see Marley in him with other more playful traits. I wouldn't give him up for ANYTHING and love him just the way he is!!!
This is Ruth from Portugal, I've just heard about the movie. I was praising the book to my friend who works at Fox, when she mentioned they were doing the movie. Don't know how it could top the experience of reading the book. I honestly never cried and laughed so much with a book. Your marley and my billy should be having fun in dog heaven cause they have so much in commom (and i thought i had the only dog afraid to death of thunderstorms and other loud noises!) Thanks!
This is Sarah from VA. I just wanted to let you know that your book is my favorite of all time. I too have a lab, my spunky Daisy. She's 1 1/2 and she is into everything. Not a day goes by that i dont think "Thats a Marley thing to do!" Instead of getting frustrated or angry, i love her more and more. Congrats on the movie deal, and thank you to you and Marley! God Bless.
I just wanted to let you know that I have a 2 year old yellow lab who is a mischievious little girl, but unfortunately was born with congenital heart disease (a leaky mitral valve). In some crazy way reading your book gave me faith that somehow we could help her and I searched the country to find Colorado State University Vet Hospital (who by the way are the most amazing people one could ever meet for what they do for animals). They are also the only vet hospital in America to perform valve replacement surgery. My dog, Mika, had surgery over a year ago, and although her heart is giving her problems again, I know that we have done everything to give her life and love and you share a little piece of that for writing about the true meaning of unconditional love. Thank you!!!
I have a yellow lab that is a very good mix of Marley and Shaun. He is my very smart (yet troublesome) lab. He also comes into read with my 3rd grade students. I loved reading your book. So many times I thought of the things Marley did and the things Trooper does to me. If you need a good acter, you can meet him! Look him up on Facebook Trooper Mishler
John,
I never get on things like this, nevermind make a comment. My sister recently told me that this was a book I had to read. As usual, I was hesitant. I finally got the book and I read it in one day. We lost our power that night and I continued to read with a flashlight. My dog, Walter, is a yellow lab mix and is very comparible on the behavior side. As I was reading, Walter would be doing the same things I was reading about. I cried the last two chapters, and then I hugged Walter knowing he wouldn't be there forever. Congratulations on the success and I can not wait to see the movie.
Liz
PS... Walter is very handsome and very naughty if you are looking for a cast member
dont let them ruin one of the best stories ever! make sure its not "too much hollywood, not enough book."!
I think it is a great idea to make a movie out of this book. I heard it was One of the Owen brothers and Jennifer Anniston in the movie. I would give one last piece of advice this movie should do way better on dvd then in the theatre. When I read the book I didn't have a dry eye through the last 3 chapters. I just feel like I will need to watch this movie alone and in private just like the book. Not into public crying.
Congratulations - your story will make a great movie! The book was wonderful- I was embarrassed to read it in front of other people because I laughed so hard I cried... and do I have the dog for you! He is our 6 year old yellow lab named Eddie. He was voted "class clown" at obedience school. A few weeks ago he got loose, ran into a neighbor's house, knocked a blueberry pie on to the floor & carpet 20 minutes before she was having company for dessert! That is just a sample of his Marley like behavior! As crazy as he is, he is also very lovable!
Please keep writng!
I have the perfect dog to play the part! I am reading the book now and cannot believe how much our Jack is like Marley!
A movie how wounderful to see this amazing story on film I only hope they don't change it to much. My black lab retriever Stan will love it to, he likes to watch the tv. I haven'nt finished the book yet as i'm scared of what the end has in store. Stan is more of a saint shaun rather then a marley but the book has really touched my heart.The best anniversery pressie my husband has ever bought me! Thank you so much xx
It took me some time to buy and read this .. But I must say I have a yellow labrador "evader" 2 years old.. and completely nuts..
I mean when she takes a ball or a stick and we call "Zoya give" she will run like mad and in circles or eights whatever and slide over the carpet and slobber and basically "Not Give"..
I laughed so much and while reading it I had my faithful pet sleeping on my bed with her butt on the other pillow.
ooooh!! Please! don't make Marley a CGI dog... please...! ç_ç
Marley is much more than this!! o_O'
Hi John. I am Ana Carolina, I am writting from São Paulo, Brasil. My english it is not so good, but I hope you understand.
Congratulations! I read your book 3 times and I can't wait to see it, I am sure that will be a big sucess.
I loved your story, it's perfect. I have a black labrador called Marley because Bob Marley and because your book too.
God Bless!
I really like your book I got it for christmas and read through it but I didnt have the heart to read the last few chapters and Im glad marleys legacy of showbusiness can be passed to one of his canine relatives who now has big paw prints to fill.Thank you for writing marley and me.PS:I hope they show the family watching the movie marley cameod in on a tv that would be awesome.
Dear John: I have a 10 year old yellow lab named Jet who has always been a puppy - loved frisbees, swimming, and ball playing with me and my young family. When I read your book it really hit home - one of the few books I read in just hours. It had me in tears by the end and I am not a tear kind of guy. In any event since I read your book Jet has come down with some unknown illness causing her to hyperventilate/shake and have difficulty in walking. We spent many thousands on vet specialists over the past two months and yet they cannot find anything other than possibly its a brain issue. It is all very sad. Thus I have been reading the end of your book over and over again to remind me how you dealt with this difficult situation. At some point very soon we will have to put her to sleep and your book will continue to help me through this process - I just cant bring myself to do it yet but I know I am being selfish as she is suffering. Anyway thank you for helping me through this process - I dont know if you realize that besides giving joy to many who read your book, you also help many dog owners who are going through similar end of life issues with their dogs. I know by the time the movie comes out - we will use it as an opportunity to remember our own Jet as well. Thanks Again.
I am so looking forward to seeing this film! I got Marley and me for christmas and havent been able to put it down! I have a one year ole Lab called Lewie and after every chapter i read it brings back the mischeiveious things Lew has done. I am currently looking for a copy of 'The Last Home Run' just so i can see Marley in action! Have a look on your 'Your Stories' page i am going to write and upload a picture of Lew tonight. Good Luck with the film.
This movie isn't going to happen fast enough. I throughly enjoyed the book. I just hope the movie is as good. Congrats.
OMG, can't believe! That sure IS nice... It will be a funny movie i hope... [How do you feel about Owen Wilson 'playing' you in the film? :D]
Good luck with all!
Me too!!! I can't wait to see it!!! I've got both my parents and my best friend reading that book. You are just so funny. :D Congratulations! Say hi to your kids for me. ;)
~M
CONGRATS! I hadn't read abook in 10 years under I read this one on the way to Disney World. I finshed it in two days! I dont know how you will top it. But I hope you do. Im looking forward to my second book in ten years. Our Lab "Tyson" was a family memeber of 13 years until he went to heaven. This book made me laugh...and made me cry. LOVED every word of it.
dear john, loved your book, really loved it! it reminded me of my lab i used to have, she went to the doggy heaven too...i cried so much at the end,beautifully written,can't wait for the movie!!