The pipeline from page to screen shows no signs of slowing. Here’s a quick look at the latest adaptation announcements, casting updates and projects in development.
‘Rivals’ renewed for third season
Disney+ announced Tuesday that it has renewed “Rivals” for a third season just one month after Season 2 was released. The comedy-drama is based on author Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles novels about a rivalry between the heads of two television companies, Rupert (Alex Hassell) and Tony (David Tennant) in the 1980s. The first two seasons adapted the second book in the 11-book series, “Rivals.” It’s unclear what will serve as the source material for the upcoming season.
The series also stars Aidan Turner, Rupert Everett and Nafessa Williams.
Warner Bros. options Tahereh Mafi’s ‘Shatter Me’ series
Tahereh Mafi’s dystopian young adult series—which began with 2011’s “Shatter Me”—is heading to the big screen. Warner Bros. optioned the rights to the series, which includes several books and novellas, Variety reported Tuesday . Mafi confirmed the news in a post on Instagram.
“It’s always been tremendously important to me that any adaptation brings the story to life in a way that honors the fans who love these books and characters—and I really think we have the chance to make something great with this team,” she wrote.
Mafi said she’ll be involved in the project as an executive producer. Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen of Temple Hill, Karen Rosenfelt of Sunswept Entertainment, and Kevin McCormick of Langley Park Pictures will produce.
Horror comic ‘Black Diamond’ to be adapted
Filmmaker Ernest Dickerson (“The Walking Dead”) is set to direct a feature film adaptation of the comic series “Black Diamond” for Fangoria Studios and Panick Studios. The author of the comic book, Brendan Columbus, is also set to write the screenplay.
The books follow a family on a ski trip who must decide whether to sacrifice a child to save their own, who has been abducted.
“‘Black Diamond’ immediately grabbed me because its horror is rooted in impossible human choices,” Dickerson told Fangoria magazine Tuesday. “It takes into parental fear, morality, isolation and survival in a way that is so unsettling and emotionally real. That combination will make for a very suspenseful and exciting cinematic experience.”
Pamela Adlon, BD Wong join ‘Sex Criminals’ cast
Pamela Adlon and BD Wong will help round out the cast of Prime Video’s forthcoming adaptation of the “Sex Criminals” comic book series. They’ll join previously announced actors Imogen Poots, John Reynolds and Kumail Nanjiani, who will also serve as co-creator with Emily V. Gordon and Tze Chun, Deadline reported Monday.
Adlon (“Better Things”) confirmed the news by sharing the article in her Instagram stories. Wong (“Jurassic World”) also commented on the project on the social media site.
“Really cool scripts. Funny and hot. Sex and superpowers, what more do you want people? Extremely big potential. Shooting in NYC. Happy to be working,” he wrote.
Nia DaCosta (“Hedda”) has been tapped to direct the pilot and second episode of the series. She’ll also executive produce.
The series is based on the Image Comics title by Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky. Suze (Poots) can stop time while she has sex and finds out that someone else, Jon (Reynolds), has similar powers.
Anya Taylor-Joy cast in new LOTR film ‘The Hunt for Gollum’
Warner Bros. announced Monday that Anya Taylor-Joy (“Dune: Part Three”) has been cast in filmmaker Andy Serkis’ film “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” In a post on X, the studio revealed Taylor-Joy will be playing a character named Seren, an original character created by Serkis, ScreenRant reported. The character is described as an elf who is “a trusted lethal agent of King Thranduil (Lee Pace).”
Also starring Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Kate Winslet, Jamie Dornan and Leo Woodall, the film is expected to hit theaters December 17, 2027.
Animated adaptation of ‘The Baddies’ to release at Christmastime
BBC announced Monday that an animated adaptation of the children’s book “The Baddies” will be released around Christmastime. The television special is expected to feature the voices of Sheridan Smith, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Hammed Animashaun, Robyn Cara and Francesca Mills.
Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, “The Baddies” tells of a young girl who’s new to town and gives the local baddies—a ghost, witch and troll—a run for their money.
About the writer
Danielle Haynes is the co-founder and co-editor of Booked & Screened, covering book-to-screen adaptations, film and TV development.
Leave a Reply