It’s not far-fetched to suggest that director Tim Burton‘s recent output has been…less than revelatory (Dark Shadows, Alice in Wonderland, etc.), but this latest project- Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children– may strike a chord with the filmmaker (as well as audiences alike) based on pedigree and themes alone. Adapted from Ransom Riggs’ celebrated novel and written for the screen by Jane Goldman (Kingsman: The Secret Service), time will tell if the material ignites with the same passion that was greeted with Burton’s most iconic works (Edward Scissorhands, Batman Returns, Ed Wood).
The story itself seems tailor-made for Burton’s gifts as a filmmaker. Jake (Asa Butterfield, Hugo), is a teenage daunted by nightmares stemming from a family tragedy. At the request of a therapist, Jake journeys to an abandoned orphanage where his late-grandfather once resided- what his finds is a home with children with magical powers, each protected by guardian Miss Peregrine (Eva Green, Penny Dreadful). The ensemble cast is quite magical as well and includes Samuel L. Jackson (The Hateful Eight), Kim Dickens (Gone Girl), Allison Janney (The Help), Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids), Rupert Everett (My Best Friend’s Wedding), Terrence Stamp (The Limey) and Oscar winner Judi Dench (Philomena).
Entertainment Weekly unveiled a gallery of stills from the upcoming film. Take a look below. The film will open in theaters on September 30, 2016.