Latest Acquisitions & Adaptations
By Georgie Cutler, Eva Lee, Emma Leask and Josephine Roux
YA graphic novel celebrating trans joy to be published by Macmillan’s Children’s Books
Theo Parish, creator of the viral web short, which is inspiring their debut graphic novel, will be working with Macmillan’s Children’s Books to bring the book to life. This follows a competitive six-way auction, which indicates just how powerful this story is going to be. Homebody is a touching story inspired by Parish’s own experiences growing up trans and is set to be published in April 2024. Parish has said that they’re hoping to share a story of “queer joy” which is necessary now more than ever. It will undoubtedly be an incredibly valuable story for young teens growing up with similar experiences to Parish, who will appreciate seeing a similar story to their own reflected on the page.
Major new novel coming soon from Jojo Moyes
Penguin Michael Joseph has announced that Jojo Moyes’ next novel, Someone Else’s Shoes, will be published in hardback next February. UK and Commonwealth rights to the book were bought by publishing director Maxine Hitchcock, who praises the “female friendship” central to the novel. It is set to be an empowering and joyful story with the classic charm that’s common in Moyes’ other works. Daisy Ridley has been cast to read the audiobook, which will be released alongside the hardback. Kinetic Content, a television production company based in the US, has already acquired the rights to adapt the novel into a serialised drama. Moyes hopes that her newest book can help readers escape, with its lighter tone and relatable content that remains true to her comforting style of writing.
From book to screen
What to watch?
Sadie Sink stars in Dear Zoe
Based on Philip Beard’s debut novel, Sadie Sink is the leading lady in Dear Zoe, directed by Gren Wells and screenplay by Marc Lhormer. The story follows the life of Tess (Sink) as she suffers the loss of her sister at the same time as the September 11 attacks. Bounded by guilt and grief, she fights her way through life tackling different challenges and finds a sense of hope amid the recent tragedies. The leading cast will also star Theo Rossi, Justin Bartha, Jessica Capshaw and Vivien Lyra Blair. This coming-of-age adaptation explores a range of themes from loss to compassion with the cast's heart-wrenching and inspiring performance. Dear Zoe is out now on UK digital platforms.
Matilda returns to cinemas in new musical
Roald Dahl’s Matilda is returning to the big screen in a musical format with the release of Matilda the Musical. It is inspired by the stage musical written by Kelly Dennis and Tim Minchin, featuring a selection of songs from the musical, plus a new composition from Minchin. Alisha Weir leads the production as Matilda Wormwood in a star-studded cast, including Lashana Lynch, Emma Thompson, Stephen Graham and Andrea Riseborough. You can watch Matilda the Musical in cinemas from 25 November 2022. It is set to head to Netflix sometime in Summer 2023.
In the works
Psychological Thriller The Killing Kind adaptation
Psychological thriller, The Killing Kind by Jane Casey, has revealed a limited series adaptation picked up by Eleventh Hour Films with the help of Sony Pictures Television. The story follows barrister Ingrid Lewis who works on tough client cases, when she comes across John Webster, defending him in a stalking case. This backfires as his attention turns to Ingrid, ruining her life and relationships. When Ingrid finally thinks she’s escaped, her colleague is run down, which she thinks was intended for her, but Webster shows up at her door to warn her of danger. Is Webster the murderer or saviour? Only Ingrid can find out as time is ticking. Currently, there is no news on casting or release date, so if you’re a fan of creepy thrillers, then you may want to keep an eye out for information coming soon.
Kotaro Isaka’s Seesaw Monster set for Netflix
Seesaw Monster, the 2019 mystery thriller novel by Kotaro Isaka, is set to be adapted by Netflix. Their novel Maria Beetle was previously adapted into the 2022 film Bullet Train, starring Brad Pitt. Anne Hathaway and Salma Hayek Pinalut have been approached to lead the project, and shall also serve as producers. The adaptation’s plot is currently being kept under wraps, but the screenplay of the adaptation is being written by Olivia Milch. The novel’s plot centres around the complex relationship between two women: a wife and her mother-in-law. There has been no release date set at the moment, but we’ll check back in to see what develops in this exciting adaptation.