Warner picks up 'Ready Player One'

Warner Bros and De Line Pictures have optioned a young adult sci-fi novel from Fanboys screenwriter Ernie Cline.

The studios picked up the rights to Cline's book Ready Player One shortly after the author signed a six-figure deal with publisher Random House, reports Deadline.

Ready Player One centres on a teenage boy named Wade Watts who enters a virtual world called Oasis to escape his bleak environment. Wade goes on a treasure hunt in the virtual space and competes against a batch of dangerous foes.

Cline is to write the movie's script.