Canadian author Kenneth Oppel, known for the acclaimed "Silverwing" books, spent the afternoon on kid channel YTV's "The Zone", mainly to chat about his new novel "Airborne". When asked about reports that a movie version was under way, the author seemed very cautious, and almost dismissive towards the subject.

"Maybe. There maybe a movie that will be made about it ," insisted Oppel. "What happens is that Universal has purchased the movie rights, and Stephen Sommers is looking into it. Not to direct, but he might produce it."

The novel, described as a cross between "His Dark Material" and "Treasure Island", takes place in an alternate version of the early 20th Century, where ocean liners have been replaced by Airships. The story follows a 15-year-old cabin boy who is accidentally put on the trail of some mythical flying creatures, as well as his own mysterious past. Oppel revealed during the interview that he was close to finishing the sequel.

News came from The Hollywood Reporter, back in August, that Universal had commissioned the feature adaptation from Ruddy Morgan Productions, with director Stephen Sommers set to produce and direct. A lot has happened since then for Sommers, who now has 3 other projects to chose from and produce.

Should the film happen in the near future, the gamble would be high. The subject matter would fall directly in line with "Harry Potter", "The Chronicles Of Narnia", "Lemony Snicket", "His Dark Materials" and "Artemis Fowl", which are all fantasy-based adventure stories aimed at young adults. "Airborne" would either surf the wave, or become one too many.