‘The 39 Clues’ movie may move ahead with Universal, director Shawn Levy likely out

The feature film adaptation of the adventure novel series The 39 Clues has never really gotton production going. 

The Scholastic book series was initially picked up by DreamWorks as a potential directorial project for Steven Spielberg, but Brett Ratner was subsequently hired to take the helm. 

Ratner’s version of the film never came together, and Night at the Museum director Shawn Levy signed on to direct earlier last year. 

There has been no real news or updates, until now THR reports that Universal Pictures is in negotiations to acquire the rights from DreamWorks, with the hopes of finally getting the film off the ground.

The Universal deal would have Levy no longer attached to direct.

Levy’s busy schedule is already full with the family drama This Is Where I Leave You and will next direct Night at the Museum 3. 

The 39 Clues is summarized by THR as “The book series was part of a multi-platform media puzzle chase that included collectable cards and an online game. At the heart of it was the story of the Cahills, billed as the most powerful family in history. Two siblings, who just discovered their heritage, are thrust into a race with their more devious relatives to uncover 39 clues in order to find ultimate power.