Universal Pictures has staked out Dec. 14, 2018, for "Mortal Engines," Peter Jackson's adaptation of the acclaimed steampunk novel by Philip Reeve.

The screenplay reunites Jackson with his "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" collaborators, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens. The project marks the first major directing gig for Christian Rivers after spending much of his career working alongside Jackson. Boyens will co-produce.

RELATED: Peter Jackson, "Lord of the Rings" Team to Adapt "Mortal Engines"

"Mortal Engines" is set on a futuristic Earth where most of the cities are mobile and roam the planet on huge wheels, fighting and devouring each other over the constantly depleting resources. On one of these cities, Tom Natsworthy meets a mysterious woman who changes his life forever.

Universal will distribute "Mortal Engines," with Zane Weiner, Amanda Walker and Deborah Forte  joining Jackson as producers; rounded Ken Kamins will executive produce.

If all goes as planned, the adaptation will be the first in a series of films based on Reeve’s "Mortal Engines Quartet": "Mortal Engines," “Predator’s Gold,” “Infernal Devices” and “A Darkling Plain.” The first book has won numerous awards, including the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, the Smarties Gold Award and the Blue Peter Book of the Year.

(via TheWrap)