Author Steve Hillard has signed a deal with EMO Films to develop his novel Mirkwood for a feature adaptation. The novel centers on a fictional version of author J.R.R. Tolkien. Here's what Steve Hillard had to say about the adaptation.

"The adaptation of Mirkwood will follow the template of the novel, but will delve considerably deeper into Tolkien's little-known back story, such as his original plans to become a codebreaker in World War II up through the writing of his enduring works."

Joel Eisenberg and Timothy Owens will executive produce Mirkwood for EMO Films.

Steve Hillard was involved in a lawsuit surrounding the novel earlier this year, with the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien threatening to sue if his novel ever saw the light of day. Steve Hillard brought his case to the U.S. District Court in Texas, seeking the right to publish his novel as a work of literary criticism. Both parties eventually came to a settlement.