According to Variety, Universal has set Spike Jonze to direct the adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are, the classic children's book by Maurice Sendak. Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman will produce, with John Carls and Sendak, the trade paper reported. The movie, originally conceived as a computer-animated movie, will now be shot live action under Jonze (Being John Malkovich).

Published in 1963, Wild Things is the Caldecott Medal-winning story of Max, a mischievous boy, who is sent to bed without supper. In his room, Max uses his imagination to conjure up a forest populated by the wild things, exotic monsters who embrace Max as their ruler.