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Paramount Secures Francis Lawrence for 'Red Rising' Sci-Fi Adaptation

3 min read
Source: Variety
Paramount Secures Francis Lawrence for 'Red Rising' Sci-Fi Adaptation
Photo: Variety
TL;DR

Paramount Pictures has acquired the film rights to Pierce Brown’s bestselling sci-fi series 'Red Rising,' appointing 'Hunger Games' director Francis Lawrence to helm the adaptation of the first novel. Writer Justin Rhodes will pen the script, with Lawrence and Cameron MacConomy producing. The project joins a slate of high-profile literary adaptations at the studio, including 'Children of Blood and Bone' and 'The Midnight Library.'

Key points

  • Paramount has acquired the film rights to the 'Red Rising' book series by Pierce Brown.
  • Francis Lawrence is attached to direct the adaptation of the first novel.
  • Justin Rhodes will write the screenplay, having previously collaborated with Lawrence on 'Bioshock.'
  • Lawrence and Cameron MacConomy will produce for About.Blank, alongside Francesco Goedhuis.
  • Pierce Brown will serve as an executive producer on the project.

Background

The 'Red Rising' series is a dystopian sci-fi saga set in a future where society is divided by a color-coded caste system. The story follows Darrow, a miner from the lowest class, who infiltrates the ruling elite to seek revenge. The series has sold over six million copies, with six books published and a seventh, 'Red God,' upcoming. This acquisition follows previous failed attempts to adapt the series at Universal and as a television show in the late 2010s.

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news, highlighting the connection between Lawrence and the dystopian genre through his work on 'The Hunger Games.' Variety and Deadline confirmed the deal, noting the writer's previous work on 'Terminator: Dark Fate' and 'Secret Level.' Dark Horizons emphasized the series' popularity, mentioning its adaptation into a tabletop game. All sources agree on the core creative team but differ in their emphasis on the studio's broader literary adaptation strategy, with THR and Deadline specifically listing other upcoming Paramount adaptations like 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' and 'The Midnight Library.'

Why it matters

This acquisition signals Paramount's continued investment in high-profile literary adaptations, particularly in the sci-fi and dystopian genres. The involvement of Francis Lawrence, known for directing the entire 'Hunger Games' franchise, suggests a strong alignment between the director's style and the source material's themes of class struggle and rebellion. The project also benefits from the proven commercial success of the book series, which has sold millions of copies and has been adapted into other media formats.

What to watch

The next steps will likely involve finalizing the script by Justin Rhodes and securing a release date. Paramount may also announce casting for the lead role of Darrow. The project will join a busy slate of literary adaptations at the studio, potentially competing for production resources and marketing attention with other high-profile projects like 'Children of Blood and Bone' and 'The Midnight Library.'

Topics:entertainmentfilm#film#francis-lawrence#justin-rhodes#paramount-pictures#pierce-brown#red-rising
Share this article
  1. ‘Red Rising’ Movie in the Works at Paramount With ‘Hunger Games’ Director Francis Lawrence  Variety
  2. Francis Lawrence, Paramount Team for ‘Red Rising’ Movie Adaptation (Exclusive)  The Hollywood Reporter
  3. 'I Love This Team' — Red Rising Author Pierce Brown Reacts After Book Series Greenlit for Movie Adaptation at Paramount  IGN
  4. Paramount Sets Plans For A "Red Rising" Film  Dark Horizons
  5. Francis Lawrence To Direct Sci-Fi Film ‘Red Rising’ For Paramount  Deadline

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