Johnny Depp, Graham King and David Heyman are to produce NickHornby's latest novel A Long Way Down for Warner Bros, the studio announced yesterday [2].

King will produce for InitialEntertainment Group, Depp for his production company Infinitum Nihil, andHeyman for Heyday Films. Kevin McCormick is overseeing the project for WarnerBros.

Initial, which recently signed a first-look deal with Warner, hasa production deal with Depp and Infinitum Nihil, and the partners are alsoplanning to produce with Plan B a film of Gregory David Roberts' epic novel Shantaramfor Warner Bros as astarring vehicle for Depp.

Heyman of course, as the producer of the Harry Potter series, is a Warner staple.

No casting however has been announced on the Hornby project, adarkly comic tale about four desperate people who form a surrogate family tohelp themselves struggle through the difficulties of their lives.

Hornby's novel will be published in the UK and US in June. Thesuccessful British author is a popular source of film material and his novelshave spawned adaptations like About A Boy and High Fidelity, as well as two versions of Fever Pitch.

"This book is brimming with some of the finest writing, and someof the most outstanding characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading," Deppsaid in a statement. "The cinematic possibilities are extraordinary. I amthrilled to be involved with such a masterful work."

"We are really pleased to bestarting off our producing relationship with Graham and Johnny, and continuingto work with David, on such a terrific property," Warner Bros production chiefJeff Robinov said in a statement.

"A Long Way Down is funny, dramatic and has a really strong story. I think it willmake a wonderful movie."

Depp isrepresented by UTA and Hornby is represented by Jenne Casarotto.