The Story to Screen Report

Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Skyward’ is officially heading to TV

Brandon Sanderson’s bestselling sci-fi series ‘Skyward’ is being developed for television by Tomorrow Studios, the company behind Netflix’s live-action ‘One Piece’. Sanderson will co-write the pilot alongside ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ creators Jed Whedon and Maurissa Tancharoen, with all three also serving as executive producers. 

Based on the first book in Sanderson’s ‘Cytoverse’ series, the story follows teenage pilot Spensa as humanity fights to survive constant alien attacks on a distant planet. The adaptation marks another major screen project for Sanderson as Hollywood continues investing heavily in his fantasy and sci-fi worlds. 

‘The Midnight Library’ is shaping up to be Cannes’ biggest book deal

‘The Midnight Library’, which Florence Pugh is attached to star in and produce, is reportedly being pursued by multiple studios and could become the biggest acquisition deal to emerge from this year’s Cannes market. 

Directed by ‘Lion’ filmmaker Garth Davis, the adaptation of Matt Haig’s bestselling novel is generating major buzz as buyers compete for high-profile literary properties with built-in audiences. Studiocanal and Blueprint Pictures are launching worldwide sales for the project at Cannes, continuing the industry’s ongoing race for the best book-to-screen adaptations. 

‘The Nightingale’ keeps building its cast

Sony’s adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s bestselling novel ‘The Nightingale’ has added Albrecht Schuch, Douglas Hodge, Gwilym Lee and Vinette Robinson to its growing cast alongside Dakota and Elle Fanning. 

The actors join previously announced stars Mark Rylance and Shira Haas as production continues in Budapest. Set in Nazi-occupied France during WWII, the film follows two sisters fighting to survive under German occupation and is shaping up to be one of Sony’s biggest prestige literary adaptations in years.

Ella Rubin joins Netflix’s next big mystery series

Ella Rubin is the latest actor to join Netflix’s adaptation of ‘The God of the Woods’, adding to a cast that already includes Maya Hawke and Kerry Condon. Rubin will play one of the camp counsellors at the centre of the story after a teenage girl disappears from a summer camp in the Adirondacks. Best known for roles in ‘The Idea of You’ and ‘Fear Street: Prom Queen’, Rubin’s casting continues Netflix’s push to build a younger breakout ensemble around the bestselling thriller adaptation.

Emily Henry is asking fans to trust the casting process

Emily Henry has responded to the mixed reactions surrounding the casting of the upcoming ‘Beach Read’ film adaptation, telling fans to “trust the vision” as production gets underway. 

Some readers were divided after Patrick Schwarzenegger was cast opposite Phoebe Dynevor, with online debates focusing on whether the actors matched fans’ versions of the characters. Henry defended the creative team behind the adaptation, praising writer-director Yulin Kuang and hinting that more casting announcements are still on the way as filming prepares to begin. 

Casting has begun for the new Bond, James Bond

The next James Bond film is starting to feel like a real reboot. After Daniel Craig’s exit, the focus seems to be on finding a younger actor with fresh energy rather than a huge Hollywood name. Actors like Harris Dickinson and Jacob Elordi are already being linked to the role, and with Denis Villeneuve directing, the next film could end up feeling more cinematic and stylish than previous versions. With Amazon now involved behind the scenes too, there’s a lot of curiosity around where the franchise goes next.

Hulu inks first-look deal with 831 Stories publisher

Hulu is doubling down on book adaptations with a new first-look deal focused on developing projects from bestselling novels, including Alexandra Romanoff’s ‘Big Fan’. The partnership gives Hulu early access to upcoming stories before other studios can compete for them, showing how valuable book IP has become in streaming right now. ‘Big Fan’, which explores celebrity obsession and fandom culture, is one of the first projects tied to the deal as platforms continue racing to turn popular novels into prestige TV.

Hulu is staying in Gilead a little longer

Hulu has officially renewed ‘The Testaments’ for season two before the first season has even finished airing. The ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ follow-up has become a major streaming hit for the platform, with Hulu reporting more than 45 million hours watched globally so far. The early renewal shows just how confident the streamer is in the Margaret Atwood adaptation, which follows a new generation growing up inside Gilead years after the original series. 

Quinta Brunson is bringing Betty Boop back to the big screen

Quinta Brunson is set to develop and star in a new Betty Boop feature film, marking the cartoon icon’s first major movie role in decades. The project will explore Betty Boop’s rise through the perspective of creator Max Fleischer, focusing on the relationship between the artist and one of animation’s earliest stars. Brunson is producing the film through her company Fifth Chance Productions alongside Fleischer Studios, with the movie aiming to give the nearly century-old character a more modern and layered story. 

An offer they can’t refuse: ‘The Godfather’ returns

A new officially authorised ‘Godfather’ novel is on the way, and this time the focus is on Connie Corleone. The book, called Connie, is being written by bestselling author Adriana Trigiani and is set for release in 2027. Instead of centring on Michael or Vito, the story will follow Connie’s rise inside the Corleone family and explore how she navigates a world dominated by powerful men. It’s the first new major addition to the franchise in years and adds a fresh perspective to one of cinema’s most iconic families. 

And that’s a wrap on this week’s Story to Screen Report! We’ll be back soon with more casting news, trailers, adaptation announcements, and all the latest book-to-screen news 🍿📚