Ben Wheatley to Adapt J.G. Ballard’s HIGH RISE

Screen Daily broke the news today that Ben Wheatley (Kill List, Sightseers) is the latest director to be attached to the long gestating adaptation to J.G. Ballard‘s novel High Rise.  The film was originally attached to Nicolas Roeg back in the 70s after the novel was first released, then Vincenzo Natali (Cube, Splice) got it, however the rights eventually lapsed and now it’s in the hands of Mr. Wheatley.

The film takes place in a luxury high-rise building where a group of tenants begin a reign of destruction and violence against the other floors.  

Here’s what Wheatley said to Screen Daily:

“I love Ballard’s work. This project started out with me looking at my bookcase, seeing the book, and thinking: ‘that would make a great film’.”

“The scope of the film is exciting. It will be challenging, like Crash, but it’s not as dark as Kill List. The book is pretty out there, though.”

While this is some exciting news, don’t expect this to be hitting screens anytime soon.  Wheatley has a pretty full plate lately with working on a new pilot for HBO titled Silk Road, a UK TV project in the works, and another feature film titled Freakshift.

All I have to say is keep ’em coming.