EXCLUSIVE: Guillermo del Toro will develop to potentially direct Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark for CBS Films. The film is based on the wildly successful trilogy of books by Alvin Schwartz, which included iconic illustrations by Stephen Gammell. John August wrote the script.

I have been dancing with del Toro on this for two months, but now his deal is making and he’s coming attached. He is such a big fan of the books that he owns ten of the original illustrations by Gammell. When this will all happen is unclear; del Toro is juggling a few projects that include a remake of Fantastic Voyage at Fox, a Pacific Rim sequel and a personal project he’s kept close to the vest.

In addition to potentially directing, del Toro will also produce the film alongside Sean Daniel, Jason Brown and Elizabeth Grave. Alvin Schwartz’s trilogy of short story collections have sold more than 7 million copies worldwide. Even though, from the moment it was published in 1984, the Scary Stories series has according to the American Library Association been one of the most banned from placement (owing to concerns they’re too scary for children). The ensuing controversy only helped to fuel sales, and the trilogy has remained a cultural phenomenon ever since.

Plot specifics are being kept under wraps, but those who’ve read the books recall how much stories like The Red Spot, Harold and The Wendigo haunted their dreams. This could be a good one. WME and Exile Entertainment rep del Toro.