Paramount Acquires 'Red Rising' Rights, Taps Francis Lawrence to Direct Sci-Fi Adaptation
Paramount has acquired film rights to Pierce Brown's sci-fi series 'Red Rising,' appointing Francis Lawrence to direct the adaptation of the first novel. Justin Rhodes will write the script, with Lawrence and Cameron MacConomy producing. The project joins Paramount's expanding slate of literary adaptations, including 'Children of Blood and Bone' and 'The Midnight Library.'
Key points
- Paramount Pictures has secured the film rights to the 'Red Rising' book series by Pierce Brown.
- Francis Lawrence, known for directing the 'Hunger Games' franchise, is attached to direct the adaptation of the first book.
- Justin Rhodes, a writer-producer with credits including 'Terminator: Dark Fate,' will pen the screenplay.
- Lawrence and Cameron MacConomy will produce the film through their about.blank banner, alongside Francesco Goedhuis.
- Author Pierce Brown will serve as an executive producer on the project.
- The film adapts the first installment of a six-book series, with a seventh book currently in development.
Background
Paramount has been actively acquiring and developing high-profile book adaptations. The studio recently released 'Children of Blood and Bone' and is preparing 'Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow' and 'The Midnight Library.' Francis Lawrence has recently directed 'The Long Walk' and is set to helm 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.' The 'Red Rising' series previously had development attempts at Universal and as a television series in the late 2010s.
How outlets are covering it
Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Dark Horizons all confirm the core details of the deal: Paramount acquiring the rights, Francis Lawrence directing, and Justin Rhodes writing. THR was the first to break the news, as noted by Deadline and Variety. All sources agree on the production team and the plot premise. Dark Horizons adds that the series has been adapted into a tabletop game and notes the previous failed attempt at Universal. The outlets emphasize Lawrence's experience with dystopian sci-fi, particularly his work on 'The Hunger Games,' as a key factor in his selection.
Why it matters
The acquisition of 'Red Rising' signals Paramount's continued investment in adapting best-selling sci-fi and fantasy literature into major film franchises. Francis Lawrence's involvement, given his success with 'The Hunger Games,' suggests a high-budget, blockbuster approach to the adaptation. The project also highlights the ongoing trend of studios securing rights to popular book series before they are fully adapted, often leading to long development timelines. The involvement of the original author as an executive producer may help ensure fidelity to the source material, which is a common concern with book-to-film adaptations.
What to watch
Paramount and the production team will likely move into pre-production, with casting and filming schedules to be announced. The release date for the 'Red Rising' film has not yet been specified, but it is expected to be part of Paramount's future slate alongside other literary adaptations. The success of the film could lead to further adaptations of the 'Red Rising' series, potentially as a franchise or a television series.
- Francis Lawrence To Direct Sci-Fi Film ‘Red Rising’ For Paramount Deadline
- Francis Lawrence, Paramount Team for ‘Red Rising’ Movie Adaptation (Exclusive) The Hollywood Reporter
- ‘Red Rising’ Movie in the Works at Paramount With ‘Hunger Games’ Director Francis Lawrence Variety
- Paramount Sets Plans For A "Red Rising" Film Dark Horizons
- ‘Hunger Games’ Vet Francis Lawrence to Direct ‘Red Rising’ for Paramount TheWrap
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