Sycamore Studios options Ben Hatke’s bestselling trilogy Zita the Spacegirl

Christian McGuigan (left) and Tim Reckart

US kids- and family-focused animation company Sycamore Studios has acquired the rights to develop author and illustrator Ben Hatke’s number one New York Times bestselling trilogy Zita the Spacegirl.

Sycamore was launched earlier this year by former Participant executive Christian McGuigan and filmmaker Timothy Reckart.

This acquisition comes on the heels of Sycamore’s oversubscribed Series A funding round, positioning the studio for continued growth and creative expansion.

Previously set up at Fox Animation with Peter Chernin, Zita the Spacegirl now has a new home at Sycamore, which will bring the story to a new wave of fans, alongside the studio’s first film announcement, Doctor Dolittle, written by Bob Barlen and Cal Brunker (Paw Patrol: The Movie, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie).

Zita the Spacegirl follows an adventurous girl who is propelled into a cosmic adventure when her best friend is abducted by aliens.

“Bringing Zita the Spacegirl to the big screen is a tremendous opportunity for Sycamore,” said CEO McGuigan. “Ben Hatke has created a world full of imagination, heart, and heroism. We’re thrilled to partner with him to craft a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that will inspire kids and families everywhere.”