Get ready for a colossal collaboration that will shake up the entertainment industry! The dynamic writing duo behind the animated sensation 'KPop Demon Hunters', Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan, are taking on a new challenge that's larger than life. But this time, it's not just about their writing prowess; it's about the iconic director they're teaming up with.
The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reveals that Jimenez and McMechan have been chosen by Warner Bros. Pictures to write the screenplay for none other than Tim Burton's reimagining of the cult classic, 'Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman'. Yes, you read that right! The quirky genius behind iconic films like 'Edward Scissorhands' and 'Beetlejuice' is bringing his unique vision to this B-movie gem.
Burton will direct and produce, alongside producers Andrew Mittman and Tommy Harper, with LuckyChap also on board for production. The executive producer role is filled by Kai Dolbashian, while Morgan Begg oversees the project for LuckyChap.
The original 'Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman', released in 1958, tells the story of a wealthy heiress who, after a stay in a mental institution, transforms into a giantess and confronts her unfaithful husband and his gold-digging mistress. Warner Bros. has been working on a remake since 2024, with Gillian Flynn, renowned for 'Gone Girl', as the previous writer.
Jimenez and McMechan, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, expressed their excitement: "Imagine a fifty-foot woman causing chaos because a man wronged her. We think it's a scenario many will find relatable." And this is the part most people miss—the writers of 'KPop Demon Hunters' aren't just talented; they're also incredibly relatable.
While the voice actors and singers of the animated hit have received much attention, Jimenez and McMechan have quietly been making waves. At just 24 years old, they co-wrote the movie, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, which became a global phenomenon when it hit Netflix last summer. The film shattered records, becoming Netflix's most-watched movie ever and dominating music charts with its soundtrack. It has since garnered numerous accolades, including Golden Globe, Annie, and Grammy nominations, and Critics' Choice Awards wins.
But here's where it gets even more fascinating. Jimenez, a Mexican-American from Orange County, learned English by watching Lizzie McGuire, and McMechan, from a small town near Yosemite, bonded over their love for comedy and a desire to portray the complexities of being a woman. Their unique perspectives and backgrounds are a recipe for groundbreaking storytelling.
After their script landed in the Sundance Feature Lab, they were scouted by screenwriter Nicole Perlman, who introduced them to 'KPop Demon Hunters' co-writer and co-director Maggie Kang. The rest, as they say, is history.
Currently, Jimenez and McMechan are working on an original series, 'A Really Bad Person', with Legendary, and a queer western feature. Their past projects include a Lord Farquaad feature for DreamWorks Animation and a Cheech & Chong biopic with Todd Lieberman's Hidden Pictures.
In the TV realm, they write and co-produce the upcoming series 'Brothers', starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, for Apple+ and Skydance. They also contribute as staff writers to the 'Ren & Stimpy' reboot for Comedy Central and Paramount+.
As this talented duo continues to captivate audiences, one thing is clear: their creative journey has only just begun. But will this new project with Tim Burton live up to the hype? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!