'Paddington' Director Paul King To Co-Write & Direct Fantasy Film 'Time's Fool' For Fox Searchlight

Director Paul King’s most recent two films, “Paddington” and the appropriately titled “Paddington 2,” are regarded as not just great family films, but two of the best films of their respective years, period. “Paddington 2” might actually score some Oscar recognition, in fact. So, it’s not a surprise that King’s upcoming slate of projects is ever-growing. And now, the filmmaker has yet another major film to add to his very busy schedule.

According to Variety, King has signed with Fox Searchlight to co-write and direct the adaptation of the popular book “Time’s Fool.” The film, based on the novel by Glyn Maxwell, tells the story of a young man trapped for eternity on a train. The only reprieve the man gets from his mobile existence is once a year, when he is allowed a few hours to stay in his hometown. While there, he attempts to figure out the nature of his curse.

King said about the project, “I’ve always been attracted to films which use magical ideas to explore real human emotions. And so when, one rainy afternoon, [co-writer] Jon [Croker] poured me a cup of tea and told me the story of ‘Time’s Fool,’ I was immediately hooked. It’s a captivating tale of wonder and heartbreak which sets the pulse racing and the imagination on fire. David [Heyman, producer], Jon, and I will do our best not to mess it up.”

As alluded to earlier, “Time’s Fool” is added to a pretty impressive upcoming selection of films that King is attempting to bring to life. While not directing “Paddington 3,” the filmmaker is on board to help develop the film. He’s also attached to direct a Willy Wonka prequel film, as well as a live-action “Pinocchio” for Disney. It’s safe to say that the new several years are all booked up for Mr. King.

There’s no release date set for “Time’s Fool,” and it probably will come down to which project is first up for the filmmaker. Either way, we’re excited to see what the director has coming next.