Attention Bradbury fans: HBO is making a new Fahrenheit 451 film

"It's not books you need, it's some of the things that once were in books."

It would seem that this sentiment, expressed by Professor Faber in Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, is one that HBO wholeheartedly agrees with.

The film division of the US entertainment giant has reportedly signed 99 Homes filmmaker Ramin Bahrani to write, direct and executive produce a 'new take' on Bradbury's dystopian classic.

Published in 1953, Fahrenheit 451 tells the story of Guy Montag - a fireman working in an unspecified future controlled by an oppressive government who have placed a ban on books. Rather than putting fires out, Montag's job sees him called out to households suspected to harbour outlawed literature, whereupon he must find and burn it. After stealing a book for himself on one such visit, Montag's life slowly unravels. 

Written in just nine days, it's seen as one of Bradbury's greatest works, subject to several stage and screen adaptations - including 1966's big screen effort directed by François Truffaut. It might sound familiar because 2002's Equilibrium borrowed/pinched several of its key themes.

We'll bring you word on casting and a release date as soon as they're announced.

[Via: The Wrap]