Downton Helmer Brian Percival Directing The Book Thief

After Dowton Abbey’s huge success in the US, it’s not surprising Hollywood is sniffing around those who’ve directed episodes of the series. Helming Downton certainly seems to have helped Brian Percival, who Deadline reports has now signed on to direct Fox 2000’s movie, The Book Thief, adapted from Marcus Zusak’s novel.

The Book Thief follows Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich who survives World War II by stealing books (you’d have thought food would have been a more sensible thing to steal, but never mind). Aided by her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with neighbours during bombing raids. One of those who benefits from the books is the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

Michael Petroni adapted the novel for the big screen, with production is expected to begin this summer.