![Zita the Spacegirl [cover by Ben Harke, published by First Second] | Sycamore Studios](https://www.animationmagazine.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Zita-the-Spacegirl_Sycamore-Studios.jpg "Zita the Spacegirl_Sycamore Studios")
Recently launched Sycamore Studios CEO Christian McGuigan and CCO Timothy Reckart jointly announced today the acquisition of author and illustrator Ben Hatke’s #1 New York Times bestselling trilogy Zita the Spacegirl. 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, joining 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. Zita’s unwavering determination to find her way back home and her courageous sacrifice for others transform her into an intergalactic hero. This children’s graphic novel, published by Macmillan, has garnered over 20 awards and honors, including the American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, a CYBIL Award and several Books of the Year awards, including from Kirkus and School Library Journal.
“Bringing Zita the Spacegirl to the big screen is a tremendous opportunity for Sycamore,” said 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.”
Hatke, author and illustrator of over a dozen books including the Mighty Jack series and Julia’s House for Lost Creatures, has earned widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Eisner Award. The Zita trilogy has been lauded for its adventurous spirit, whimsical characters and timeless themes of friendship and redemption.
“This is exactly the type of timeless story Sycamore exists to create,” said Reckart. “Zita the Spacegirl is filled with imaginative worlds and powerful themes that will resonate with audiences young and old. We can’t wait to bring this story to life.”
Sycamore has been actively expanding its business by making strategic key hires and bolstering its development slate by identifying quality family intellectual property, both original and open source. Recently, the company announced the appointment of Cooper Waterman, a well-respected executive in family entertainment, as a partner and the new Head of Production and Distribution.
