Laika has acquired the rights to fantasy novel “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke and will make an animated adaptation directed by its president and CEO Travis Knight.

Knight, who previously helmed the studio’s Oscar-nominated “Kubo and the Two Strings” as well as “Bumblebee” from the Transformers franchise, said of the novel :”‘Piranesi’ is a treasure, and very dear to me. As a filmmaker, I can scarcely imagine a more joyful experience than wandering through the worlds Susanna dreamed into being. She’s one of my all-time favorite authors, and with ‘Piranesi,‘ Susanna has created a beautiful, devastating and ultimately life-affirming work of art. I’m humbled that she chose Laika as her home.”

A New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller with over 4 million copies sold, “Piranesi” was awarded the 2021 Women’s Prize for Fiction. Clarke also authored “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell,” which was adapted for a television.

“Animation...