DreamWorks has extended its option for the rights of "Chocky," a science fiction novel.

Word is that Steven Spielberg himself is interested in adapting "Chocky" for his next directing project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Chocky," by the late John Wyndham who also wrote "The Day of the Triffids," centers on an adolescent boy Matthew who has an imaginary friend named Chocky with whom he has profound conversations and heated arguments. The boy's dad, however, suspects that Chocky may not be so imaginary and may even be an alien being that has made its home in Matthew's consciousness.

Just call it "E.T." meets "Drop Dead Fred."

Spielberg's dream of bringing "Chocky" to life, however, may not be so easy though since it's still up in the air who will produce. DreamWorks is leaving Paramount and striking out on its own to be an independent company. Like any good divorce, the two parties must decide who will take what with them, and this includes DreamWorks-developed projects. Meanwhile, it's rumored that DreamWorks is seeking to work with Universal to distribute its future films.

Spielberg's last directing effort was "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."