The project will mark the first full-length project for Walter, whose Helium won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. Chris Columbus will act as producer on the project alongside XYZ Films, Kelly and Man of Action Entertainment; in a statement accompanying Treehouse's announcement of funding, he said he was "excited and proud to finally be able to bring this wonderful material to the screen." XYZ Films is also representing worldwide rights for the project.

Justin Nappi, Treehouse president, added that he and Columbus "both feel strongly that strongly that Anders has the depth and vision needed to bring the amazing story and characters of I Kill Giants to life. As exemplified by his work in Helium and [earlier short] 9 Meter, Anders has a unique understanding of children and their uncanny ability to face life’s most difficult challenges."

Kelly, part of the Man of Action collective responsible for Cartoon Network's Ben 10 and the characters appearing in Disney's Big Hero 6, will write the screenplay for the project. In a statement, he described himself as being "overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, vision and sheer talent of the team we’ve assemble," adding, "Chris and Anders understand the book on an instinctive level and will translate it into a hell of a film. I could not be happier."

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