Cate Blanchett in Talks to Join Jack Black in ‘The House with a Clock in its Walls’

Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett may be looking to add some family friendly flicks to her lengthy film roster. According to The Tracking Board, Blanchett is currently in talks to join The House with Clock in its Walls. If the deal goes through, she will be joining Jack Black in the film, which is being helmed by horror auteur Eli Roth.

The film will follow a young boy who has been recently orphaned and sent to live with his in uncle in his very old house. While there, the boy discovers a world of hidden passageways, magic, and danger. Black will be playing the boy’s uncle, who is discovered to be a mediocre witch. Blanchett, too, if she joins, will also be portraying a witch.

The movie will be based off of the 1973 children’s horror novel of the same name, which was written by John Bellairs and illustrated by Edward Gorey. Eric Kripke (TV’s Supernatural) is adapting it for the screen. Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment is financing in conjunction with Mythology Entertainment.

Blanchett, most known for her work in prestige films, has recently been peppering her filmography with family fare. With voice roles in How to Train Your Dragon 2 and its upcoming third installment, as well as in Andy Serkis‘ upcoming live-action Jungle Book, and the stepmother role in Disney’s live-action Cinderella, the actress has reportedly been on the lookout for more children-friendly programming now that her own children are of moviegoing age. Aside from these films, Blanchett will next be seen in Thor: Ragnarok, Ocean’s 8, and Richard Linklater’s Where’d You Go, Bernadette.

The House with a Clock in its Walls is currently in pre-production.