SAN ANTONIO — Morgan's Wonderland, the beloved San Antonio attraction that bills itself as the world's only theme park "designed with individuals with special needs in mind," is making its way to the big screen with the help of Hollywood.
The park said in a news release that it partnered with a production agency to tell what's expected to be a feel-good story focused on the Hartman family, who founded the park, and encouraging viewers to be "kinder, gentler and more understanding in their interactions with others."
Morgan's Wonderland is the first theme park built for children of all abilities to enjoy. It's attracted more than 3 million guests from all 50 states and more than 120 countries since opening in 2010, according to the press release that billed the forthcoming film as "'Wonka' meets 'Wonder.'"
The movie is said to follow the Hartman family as Gordon and his wife Maggie built the theme park after being inspired by their 30-year-old daughter, Morgan, who has special needs. The film will focus on the struggles of raising a child with special needs, the emotional toll it can put on the care takers and the "specific incident that sparked the Hartmans' determination to create a place where people of all abilities can come together, play and enjoy life side by side."
“This will be a love story about Morgan, who has dealt with cognitive and physical special needs since birth and who has become a champion of our mission – inclusion,” Gordon Hartman said in the release. “Morgan doesn’t realize what a profoundly positive impact she’s had on helping children and adults with special needs and disabilities, but she truly is a star in her own right.”
The movie will "not only will tell the story of an incredible place devoid of physical and economic barriers, but also will encourage viewers to be kinder, gentler and more understanding in their interactions with others,” said Maggie Hartman.
Gordon and Maggie have agreed to a deal with SR-48 and TV producer Sean Robbins, who said he was inspired by the Hartman's commitment to making the world a better place. A script has already been written by Salvador Paskowitz, who penned the 2015 drama "The Age of Adaline," starring Blake Lively.
“As a father, my heart melted reading about the inspirational love Gordon and Maggie had for Morgan and the extraordinary lengths they went through to make this dream a reality,” Robins is quoted as saying in the release. “It’s a story of hope and compassion and community coming together to make the seemingly impossible possible in a time when that message is needed more than ever.”
Also joining the project will be Ryan Lewis, who worked on projects like "Fat Kid Rules the World", "5,000 Blankets" and Ozark."
An official release date for the untitled movie has not yet been announced, and a director still needs to be sought.