Spielberg Has a Clue — 39 of Them!

Director Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks have acquired the rights to bring “The 39 Clues,” a multi-platform adventure series (which launches on September 9), to the big screen.

Which major studio ends up becoming the major backer will depend on where DreamWorks and Spielberg end up once his contract and move to take back the film company comes to fruition. It could remain at Paramount or go to Universal and/or Reliance Films. Either way, Spielberg and DreamWorks’ CEO Stacey Snider have closed the deal with Scholastic Media and the award winning director wants to helm, as well as co-produce with Scholastic Media president Deborah Forte.

All involved with this project see “The 39 Clues” as a 10-book series to be released over two years, according to a report in the Variety trade paper. The adventure consists of a set of collectible cards with an online game that will serve as a portal for readers to go about trying to solve the mystery for a grand prize of $10,000. The contest will run for two years.

The crux of “The 39 Clues” revolves around the most powerful family in the world, the Cahills, who have such historical notables as Napoleon and Houdini in their family tree. Readers must uncover the source of the family’s powers, revealed through 39 clubs that are hidden around the world and scattered throughout history. The adventure begins in Book One called “The Maze of Bones,” developed by creator by Rick Riordan, and begins right after the death of Cahill clan matriarch Grace, who changes her will at the last moment, giving her descendants the choice between $1 million or a clue.

“The 39 Clues” takes “creative leaps to expand the story experience from the pages of the books to multiple stages of discovery and imagination,” Spielberg said.

“There is enough material here for three or four movies,” Snider stated to Daily Variety. “Steven is very involved and passionate. This excites me as an executive but also as a mother. It is an educational, challenging interactive experience that hits kids where they live.”