Simon Pegg to Adapt a Neil Gaiman’s Ocean at the End of the Lane

Simon Pegg is the actor, comedian and writer known for the ‘Cornetto Trilogy’ (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and The World’s End). In May this year, it was revealed that Pegg’s production company have optioned the rights for Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of London novels to adapt into a limited series. Speaking at a TV conference in London recently, alongside his long-time friend and collaborator, Nick Frost, Pegg confirmed that one of the latest projects he is working now involves a novel from Neil Gaiman.

Gaiman’s 2013 science-fiction novel, Ocean at the End of the Lane, opens with an unnamed man returning to his childhood hometown for a funeral. The trip triggers memories of an unusual and supernatural occurrence he experienced as a child as he revisits the Hempstock’s farm and the ‘Ocean at the End of the Lane’, the man rediscovers events that unfolded 40 years ago.

This is not the first time Neil Gaiman’s novel has been adapted. In fact, Ocean at the End of the Lane is currently being staged at the National Theatre, London, directed by Katy Rudd and adapted by Joel Horwood. The play runs from 7th December 2019 until 25th January 2020, and tickets are available online now but are selling fast so act quickly if you don’t want to miss out.

Another possible adaptation first came about in February 2013, ahead of the book’s publication, when Focus Features reportedly acquired the rights to adapted Ocean at the End of the Lane into a feature film. Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman announced it would be produced through their company Playtone, however, as of 2019, no further development updates have been revealed.

Simon Pegg now plans to adapted the novel into a limited TV series produced by Stolen Picture (Slaughterhouse Rulez), the production company set up by Frost and Pegg together in 2017. Speaking at C21’s Content London conference, Pegg suggested that there is a lot of creative potential available in TV production, describing it as “really, really ferile,” particularly when compared with the film industry. Perhaps this is what makes the small screen the ideal platform for novels like Neil Gaiman’s Ocean at the End of the Lane and Ben Aaronovitch’s Rivers of the London.

The Stolen Picture’s TV adaptation of Gaiman’s novel is still in the early stages of production so very little detail has been revealed so far. However, we will stay close to the news and update you on any further information regarding this exciting new adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Until then, why not enjoy reading the stunning new edition of Gaiman’s novel with illustrations from Elise Hurst?