Getting “Mr.Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” made has taken a feat of magic, but Walden Media has stepped up to the plate and offered to co-finance the magical dark fantasy with Mandate Pictures. With the signed deal comes Zach Helm who will be making his big-screen directorial debut with “Emporium.”

Helm couldn’t ask for a more qualifed and seasoned cast to work with. Dustin Hoffman stars as the 243 year old eccentric owner of the Wonder Emporium, an odd, old and wonderfully exotic toy store. The store is managed by a shy and insecure young woman named Molly Mahoney, played by Natalie Portman. When Mr. Magorium dies and leaves the store in Molly’s care dark, strange and ominous changes begin to take place within the store and its toys.

Rounding out the cast are Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) and 9-year old thespian Zach Mills.

Look for it in theaters around November 30, 2006.