Tate Taylor To Direct DreamWorks Studios’ THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

Tate Taylor, who directed DreamWorks Studios’ Oscar-winning film, THE HELP, returns to direct its adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novel, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN.

DreamWorks acquired the rights to Paula Hawkins’ debut thriller in 2014, prior to the novel’s publication, and set Erin Cressida Wilson to adapt for the screen. Marc Platt will produce the film, while Jared LeBoff of Marc Platt Productions will serve as executive producer.

In “The Girl on the Train,” Rachel, who is devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds.

“With ‘The Help,’ Tate deftly adapted a beloved novel into a compelling film that stayed true to its origin while pleasing fans and moviegoers alike,” said Holly Bario, President of Production at DreamWorks Studios. “We are excited to have Tate back at DreamWorks and thrilled that he’s joining us on this journey as we bring another bestseller to theaters.”

“Bringing rich material to the screen in the filmmaker friendly environment DreamWorks provides is a director’s dream,” said Tate Taylor. “I’m honored to be a part of this.”

“The Girl on the Train,” is the fastest selling adult novel in history with over two million copies sold in the United States alone since it was published in January by Riverhead Books. It landed in the top spot on the New York Times bestsellers list its first week and has remained on there for the past 17 weeks straight.

Tate Taylor wrote and directed THE HELP, which was nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture with Octavia Spencer winning for Best Supporting Actress. His screenplay for the civil rights era film was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay by BAFTA and the WGA, which also recognized him with the Paul Selvin Honorary Award for his script. Most recently he directed the James Brown bio-pic, GET ON UP.