NBC Universal's specialty film arm Focus Features, headed by James Schamus, have acquired international rights to Coraline from Laika Entertainment, the Portland, Oregon-based toon house owned by Nike co-founder Phil Knight.
Based on the 2002 book by Neil "Stardust" Gaiman, premise of Coraline follows a young girl who walks through a secret door in her home to discover an eerie 'alternate version' of her life.
Actress Dakota "War of the Worlds" Fanning will voice the lead.
Laika supervising helmer Henry "The Nightmare Before Christmas" Selick adapted the novel for the big screen and will co-direct with Mike Cachuela.
Pandemonium Films' Bill Mechanic will produce Coraline alongside Laika's Mary Sandell, targeting a 2008 release.
