Exciting News: David Mikalson Partners with A24 for "The Goblin"
Aspiring writer and director David Mikalson has secured a groundbreaking deal with A24 to bring his wildly popular script, "The Goblin," to life. This project has quickly gained traction in Hollywood, capturing the attention of industry insiders and film enthusiasts alike. While some might have viewed this raunchy comedy as merely a writing sample or opted to wait for Mikalson’s micro-budget version being filmed in Kentucky, A24 saw the potential and jumped at the chance. They are on board to finance a full-length feature, with estimates suggesting a budget of around $6 million, contingent on the choice of voice talent for the titular character. The screenplay is likened to a blend of "Ted" and "E.T.," promising a unique twist on the buddy comedy genre.
Having covered Hollywood deals for years, I’ve witnessed the ebbs and flows of the film industry, especially during these challenging times. However, a strong summer at the box office seems to have revitalized executives’ willingness to take risks on innovative scripts, reminiscent of groundbreaking films like "Being John Malkovich," "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," and "Everything Everywhere All At Once." Much like these iconic projects, "The Goblin" has generated excitement and buzz, solidifying its place as a must-see film.
David Mikalson’s journey to this monumental deal is nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from Washington State, he left film school to pursue his passion for filmmaking, creating short films that showcased his unique vision. The concept for "The Goblin," featuring a practical puppet in a hilarious buddy comedy, propelled his script to viral status, leading to representation by top-notch teams at WME, Kaplan/Perrone, and attorney Chris Abramson. After attending over 100 meetings with creative executives and studio heads, Mikalson found the perfect match in A24, who not only acquired the film but also offered a significantly higher budget to bring his intricate puppet character to fruition.
With "The Goblin" now poised for production, Mikalson is on the cusp of realizing his dreams as a filmmaker. This partnership with A24 marks a significant milestone in his career, and we can’t wait to see how this innovative comedy unfolds on the big screen. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project!
