According to The Hollywood Reporter, Fox Searchlight is developing a film centering on the story of Edith Macefield, the elderly woman who refused to be bought out by a large developer to make way for a new mall. (The true story was noted for its similarities to Pixar’s Up, with her residence being dubbed “the Up house.”) Macefield reportedly turned down $1 million from the developer, and in the end, they were forced to build around her property.
The script is adapted from Barry Martin and Philip Lerman’s book Under One Roof. The story of the book focuses on the unlikely friendship that Macefield and Barry Martin forged. Martin was the head of construction for the mall and it was his job to try to displace Macefield.
Macefield passed away in 2008 and gave Martin the house in her will;he subsequently passed the deeds over to the nonprofit, OPAL, which supports affordable housing. The house currently faces demolition but OPAL has started a kickstarter campaign aiming to lift “up” the house and move it to Orcas island, for a family in need to live in.
The film, which is yet untitled, will be produced by John Whittington, and Will Gluck (Friends With Benefits and Annie).