Universal Pictures has purchased NIGHTMARE ACADEMY, the first installment of a trilogy of fantasy novels written by "Arrested Development" co-executive producer Dean Lorey, reports Variety.

Stephen Sommers and his Sommers Company partner Bob Ducsay will produce. Lorey will write the script.

Book revolves around a boy who learns that bad dreams open portals which allow creatures into the world.

Lorey, whose past scripting credits include "Major Payne" and "My Boyfriend's Back," wrote the series of books initially for his children.

Sommers, who'll next direct a remake of "When Worlds Collide," is only producing the film adaptation at this point.