Bloody Disgusting has learned this week that theatrical rights for Maury the Miserable Vampire, a children’s book written by first-time author Jeff Roland, have been acquired by Josh Ruben’s Nocturnal Kid, a new genre label from the director of 2020’s breakout Sundance hit, Scare Me, and Ubisoft’s Werewolves Within.

Nocturnal Kid plans to adapt the film into an animated feature.

Complete with easter eggs and a hidden puzzle, the book contains positive messages for children about friendship and acceptance. Available from major retailers and Amazon, Maury has become a beloved member of families all over the country.

“Maury the Miserable Vampire lived in a cold, dark castle and he liked it that way. He never laughed, he never smiled, and he never went outside. When his only friend, Barry the Bat, suddenly disappears, Maury must summon the courage to set out into the world for the very first time in order to find him. Along the way, Maury meets friendly, funny monsters from across the globe and learns about other cultures, teamwork and, most importantly, the value of friendship.”

“I’m a big fan of Josh’s work and know that he has the exact mindset needed to not only handle a story involving classic monsters and comedy but the emotional elements of the story as well,” said Roland. “He completely gets it. I’m beyond ecstatic to be working on the script with him and the prospect of being able to share an expanded view of Maury’s world with his fans. You may just find out why Maury is so miserable.”

“‘Maury’ is a kid’s story about friendship and respect, and the protagonist is kind of a jerk who takes his only friend for granted. This story has a terrific emotional core, which is that, even at our worst, all we want is to be loved and accepted. Telling this story through animated gateway horror with werewolves, bats, and all things that go bump in the night has me thrilled to be producing Jeff Roland’s genre tale under my new banner,” said Ruben.