Netflix to Adapt Paulsen's 'Hatchet' with Cianfrance

Key points

• Netflix is adapting 'Hatchet,' Gary Paulsen's 1987 Newbery Medal-winning novel about a 13-year-old boy stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash.
• Derek Cianfrance, known for 'Blue Valentine' and 'The Place Beyond the Pines,' will write and direct the film.
• Andrew Mittman, whose company 1.21 produced 'Wednesday,' is serving as a producer, with Kai Dolbashian executive producing.
• The project is being developed in partnership with Paulsen's estate, which had previously kept the IP off the market for years.
• The adaptation follows Netflix's recent investment in survival thrillers, including 'Apex' and 'Thrash,' which both debuted with over 36 million views earlier this year.

Background

Gary Paulsen's 'Hatchet' was published in 1987 and won the Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature. The story was later expanded into a five-book series, including 'The River' (1991), 'Brian's Winter' (1996), 'Brian's Return' (1999), and 'Brian's Hunt' (2003). The only previous adaptation was the 1990 TV movie 'A Cry in the Wild.'

How outlets are covering it

Variety, The Playlist, and World of Reel all confirm the core details of the adaptation, including the involvement of Netflix, Derek Cianfrance, and Andrew Mittman. Variety provides the most comprehensive details, including the involvement of Paulsen's estate and the specific names of the executive producers. The Playlist and World of Reel offer less detailed coverage, with World of Reel focusing more on Cianfrance's recent work and The Playlist providing a brief announcement. All three sources agree on the basic facts, but Variety offers the most in-depth analysis of the project's development and its fit within Netflix's current strategy.

Why it matters

This adaptation signals Netflix's continued investment in high-profile, award-winning literary properties, particularly in the survival thriller genre. The involvement of a respected director like Cianfrance and the partnership with Paulsen's estate suggest a serious, high-quality production. It also highlights the enduring popularity of classic young adult literature and its potential for successful screen adaptation.

What to watch

The next steps will likely involve the development of the screenplay by Cianfrance, the casting of the lead role, and the announcement of a production schedule. The involvement of the Paulsen estate suggests that the adaptation will be closely monitored to ensure fidelity to the original work.