Eloise IP Set for Film, TV, Live Stage Adaptations

MRC has secured film, television, live stage and related ancillary rights for the celebrated children’s IP Eloise, which began as a series of books written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight.

MRC will work closely with Handmade Films and collaborate with the Thompson estate, Knight, as well as Simon & Schuster, the book series’ publisher, to develop the property. Handmade’s Trudi Francis will serve as an executive producer on all productions.

Eloise was first published by Simon & Schuster in 1955. The books have sold more than 15 million English-language copies to date, with sales all over the world.

“We are honored to be entrusted with bringing Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight’s beloved Eloise to life for a new generation of children, as well as all her ardent admirers throughout the years,” said MRC Film Co-Presidents Brye Adler, Jonathan Golfman and MRC Television President Elise Henderson. “We are thrilled to be once again partnering with Handmade and cannot wait to see what mishaps and adventures Eloise gets herself into.”

“Eloise is a beloved, multi-generational little girl who has had over 60 years of great fun and adventures,” said Francis. “We are very proud to have been involved with Eloise since 2003, working with the late Kay Thompson’s family, Hilary, the team at Simon & Schuster and Stephen Miller at The Plaza Hotel. We have always ensured we respect the fond memories of existing fans, and now look forward to introducing her to a whole new generation, with our friends at MRC, with whom we are delighted to be working with again on a project very dear to us.”

The Eloise books center on the eponymous a self-assured little girl who lives in a luxurious hotel in New York, The Plaza. She is looked after by her British nurse, Nanny, and has two beloved pets: a dog named Weenie and a turtle, Skipperdee, for whom she calls room service. She has her own language with endless monologues and a big imagination.