Rachel Talalay to direct A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting for Netflix

Updated 16-04-19 | 11:20 AM | Staff Reporter

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Netflix is adapting A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting into a new feature film.

The 2017 book, written by Joe Ballaraini, has gone on to spawn a trilogy of novels. It follows middle schooler Kelly Ferguson, whose Halloween plans switch from party-going to babysitting. But when Baby Jacob gets kidnapped by the Boogeyman’s minions, Kelly learns there’s a whole lot more to childcare than free snacks and Netflix. Like chasing shadow monsters, drop-kicking Toadies, and mastering monster-fighting moves, such as the Naptime Headlock and Playground Punch.

With the help of an ancient handbook and a secret society of butt-kicking babysitters, Kelly sets out to destroy the Boogeyman before he brings Jacob’s nightmares to life. But when the monsters’ trail leads to her school’s big Halloween bash, Kelly will have to prove she can save the world – without totally embarrassing herself in front of her friends.

Walden Media and Montecito Pictures Company have been developing a feature film adaptation for some time, with Ivan Reitman and Amie Karp producing, alongside Naia Cucukov of Walden Media, and Tom Pollock and Ilona Herzberg executive producing. Now, Deadline reports Netflix has stepped on board the project, a name that’s almost as impressive as the filmmaker appointed to helm the movie: Doctor Who veteran Rachel Talalay will direct, marking a reunion between her and the streaming giant, after a stint on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. She has also directed episodes of American Gods and Riverdale, as well as feature films Tnak Girl and Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare.