London-based David Heyman of Heyday Films and Studiocanal have teamed up with the Astrid Lindgren Company to produce an English-language Pippi Longstocking film.

The iconic ‘Pippi Longstocking’ character created by Astrid Lindgren has inspired generations of readers worldwide ever since the first books were published nearly 75 years go. Among the biggest fans is Michelle Obama who said in a recent interview with Today magazine that the adventures of Pippi Longstocking were among her very first favourite books. "I was really fascinated with this strong little girl that was the centre of everything. …almost magical in a way,” she said.

Heyman has successfully brought to the screens well-known literary works and universes such as Michael Bond’s Paddington, and J.K Rowling’s Harry Potter books.

Nils Nyman, grandchild of Astrid Lindgren and CEO at Astrid Lindgren Film said: “In David Heyman, with his impressive track-record of bringing great literary works to the screen, together with Studiocanal, we are confident that we have found a team that can understand and appreciate the full value of Pippi Longstocking and develop films that capture both the playfulness and the gravity in my grandmother’s works. We are therefore very excited and pleased to announce this collaboration. I’m especially thrilled to announce this now, when we’re in the midst of planning Pippi Longstocking’s upcoming 75th Anniversary in 2020 together with a global campaign in support of Save the Children’s important work for Children on the Move”.

Heyman who will produce alongside Jeffrey Clifford and Rosie Alison at Heyday said: “Pippi has endured and inspired families everywhere through her life force, strength of character and her irrepressible joie de vivre. Astrid Lindgren’s books have been translated around the globe for many years, a testament to her vision which we are determined to honour with a new film.” 
No delivery date has been set for the ambitious feature film project in early development. 

A dozen film adaptations of Pippi Longstocking have been produced, since 1949, including the successful Olle Hellbom versions in the 1970s.

Fans of Pippi Longstocking can watch the music video on Barnagalaxen’s Youtube channel of the famous song ’Här kommer Pippi Långstrump’, courtesy of Universal Music, Astrid Lindgren AB and SF Studios: CLICK HERE.