‘Despicable Me’ Writer Ken Daurio to Pen ‘Zita the Spacegirl’ Movie Adaptation (Exclusive)
Ken Daurio, the writer behind such animation franchises as Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets, is set to pen the script for a new feature adaptation.
Sycamore Studios has tapped Daurio to write its animated movie Zita the Spacegirl, based on Ben Hatke’s best-selling graphic novel series, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively. Production is expected to begin in early 2026 on the project that counts Marvel Studios alum Jeremy Latcham (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, The Avengers) as executive producer.
Zita the Spacegirl centers on a girl who finds a strange device that sends her to an alien world, where she must save her friend and possibly the entire galaxy. The film marks the second feature project in the works for Sycamore Studios, a new entertainment company from co-founders Christian McGuigan and Tim Reckart.
“Ken’s writing proves that there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff between emotion and comedy,” says Sycamore chief creative officer Reckart. “His mastery of the comedic touch that unlocks emotional truth is perfect for bringing Zita’s adventures to the big screen.”
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Daurio praises the emotional resonance of Hatke’s source material. “I’ve always wanted to write a story about a little girl who needs to save the world but doesn’t have superpowers,” Daurio says. “Zita is brave, funny and completely her own person, and that’s what makes her so compelling. I can’t wait to take audiences on this journey with her.”
Adds Sycamore head of production and distribution Cooper Waterman, “Ken’s track record speaks for itself, but what excited us most was how personally he connected to the material. He brings the rare ability to balance spectacle with soul, exactly what Zita needs to stand out in today’s marketplace.”
Daurio co-wrote the first three Despicable Me films with Cinco Paul and co-wrote last year’s Despicable Me 4 with Mike White. The Despicable Me franchise has surpassed $5 billion at the worldwide box office to become the biggest animated movie series ever.
The first Zita the Spacegirl graphic novel published in 2010. Sycamore previously announced that it is developing a new take on Doctor Dolittle from screenwriters Cal Brunker and Bob Barlen (Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie).
Daurio is represented by Gersh and Carlos Goodman at Goodman Genow. McGuigan, Waterman and Brandon Milostan of Greenberg Glusker negotiated the deal.
