Pratchett has long resisted the idea of a Discworld film

Pratchett, who has long resisted the idea of a film based on his works, told BBC World Service's World Book Club programme that Goldman was "one of the finest screenwriters in Hollywood."

Goldman won Best Screenplay Oscars in 1969 for Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid and in 1976 for All The President's Men.

His latest work was an adaptation of the Steven King book Dreamcatcher.

"There was a marvellous fantasy movie called The Princess Bride, written by William Goldman, one of the finest screenwriters in Hollywood - round about there, yes," Pratchett said.

"Maybe William Goldman could do it.

"But I don't know about anybody else," he added.

'I am already rich'

Goldman adapted The Princess Bride from his own novel, written for his two daughters.

Although it was not a massive hit when released in 1987, it went on to acquire massive cult status.

But Pratchett stressed that he remained overall against the idea of a Discworld film.

Selected William Goldman films 2003 - Dreamcatcher 2001 - Hearts In Atlantis 1999 - The General's Daughter 1997 - Absolute Power 1996 - The Ghost And The Darkness 1994 - Maverick 1993 - Indecent Proposal 1990 - Misery 1987 - The Princess Bride 1977 - A Bridge Too Far 1976 - All The President's Men 1976 - Marathon Man 1975 - The Stepford Wives 1969 - Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid 1968 - No Way To Treat A Lady

"I get lots of approaches, of course, and one or two things may happen - but it's not something I'm seeking," he said.

"The books have brought me a lot of money, and that buys me a certain kind of emotional independence.

"Filmmakers come up to me and in effect they're saying, 'we'd like to make you rich'.

"I have to point out 'I am already rich - can you make me happy?'"

He added that he also would not be keen to see the inevitable spin-off products from any movie crowding shelves.