Robert Zemeckis is close to signing a deal with Warner Bros. to direct an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel The Witches. Dahl’s book focuses on a little boy and his grandmother who fight against child-hating witches. The book was previously adapted into a film in 1990, also by Warner Bros. It was a critical success at the time, but sank like a stone at the box office. Despite that, The Witches (1990) has since become something of a cult classic, with Angelica Huston's performance as monstrous villain The Grand High Witch earning raves.

Zemeckis is a Hollywood living legend, having directed such celebrated classics as the Back to the Future trilogy, Forrest Gump, and Who Framed Roger Rabbit. In addition to directing, Zemeckis will also pen the script for this new take on The Witches, and produce alongside ImageMovers partner Jack Rapke. Lauded fantasy and sci-fi filmmakers Guillermo Del Toro and Alfonso Cuaron will produce the project as well.

Related: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Honest Trailer Features Michael Bolton

According to Variety, Zemeckis’ adaptation of The Witches will be closer to the source material than the 1990 version, directed by Nicolas Roeg and written by Allan Scott. Originally, del Toro had been attached to the film as director, but he was forced to step down due to scheduling conflicts. There's no word yet on potential casting choices.

Roald Dahl’s books have been adapted several times over the decades. The 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring the late Gene Wilder was a hit, but the movie was renounced by the author. The 2005 adaptation starring Johnny Depp was a financial success, but isn't too well-remembered. There are currently plans to produce a prequel focusing on the chocolate maker; actors on the short list for the lead include Donald Glover, Ezra Miller and Ryan Gosling. However, the non-Wonka films have not been as successful. Wes Anderson’s stop motion Fantastic Mr. Fox was a hit among critics, but only made $46.5 million at the box office, on a budget of $40 million. Both Spielberg’s The BFG and the animated James and the Giant Peach bombed. 

Given the track record of Dahl adaptations at the box office, it is difficult to predict how viewers will react to a new rendition of The Witches. Dahl’s books are typically macabre, which has led to them being changed when adapted for a larger audience. For example, in the original ending of The Witches, the little boy remains a mouse, a transformation that happens partway through the novel, and he and his grandmother decide to spend the rest of their lives hunting and killing the remaining witches. In the film adaptation, the boy is changed back into a human by a kind witch. However, given the talent working on the film it seems likely that the movie will be a success. The final product may well not be toned down much at all from its source material, given del Toro's experience with the horror and dark fantasy genres.

More: 15 Things Even True Fans Didn't Know About Del Toro's Canceled Hobbit Movies

Source: Variety