Sally Field is reportedly in negotiations to headline the upcoming cinematic adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's enchanting novel, "Remarkably Bright Creatures." This captivating tale has recently been acquired by Netflix, embarking on its early stages of development with much anticipation. At the helm of this enchanting journey is Olivia Newman, the visionary filmmaker behind the sleeper sensation "Where the Crawdads Sing," which captivated audiences last summer with its poignant storytelling. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and based on Delia Owens' bestseller, "Where the Crawdads Sing" raked in a staggering $144 million worldwide, further solidifying Newman's status as a director to watch.
For "Remarkably Bright Creatures," Newman is not only directing but also co-penning the screenplay alongside John Whittington, the mastermind behind the witty scripts of "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" and "The Lego Batman Movie." Netflix, however, has remained tight-lipped about the project, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further details.
Van Pelt's debut novel, "Remarkably Bright Creatures," burst onto the literary scene in 2022, swiftly becoming a bestseller with its heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship. The narrative weaves a magical web around the life of Tova Sullivan, a lonely widow who finds solace and companionship in the most unexpected form—a colossal octopus named Marcellus. After the tragic loss of her husband, Tova takes on a night shift job as a janitor at a local aquarium, where her chance encounter with Marcellus propels her on a quest to unravel the mystery surrounding her son's disappearance at sea three decades prior.
Field, a two-time Academy Award winner for her powerful performances in "Norma Rae" and "Places in the Heart," brings a wealth of experience and emotional depth to her latest role. Having recently starred in the senior-centric comedy "80 for Brady," where her character's obsession with Tom Brady led to a hilarious Super Bowl adventure, Field's filmography boasts an impressive array of titles, including "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Forrest Gump," "Steel Magnolias," "Smokey and the Bandit," and "Lincoln."
David Levine of Anonymous Content, along with Bryan Unkeless (known for "I, Tonya") and Field's son Peter Craig (credits include "Top Gun: Maverick" and "The Batman"), are producing this enchanting film. Rounding out the team are executive producers Tony Lipp and Alyssa Rodrigues, also of Anonymous Content, who are ensuring that every aspect of "Remarkably Bright Creatures" shines brightly on the silver screen.
The Hollywood Reporter first broke the exciting news of this upcoming film adaptation, igniting the anticipation of fans worldwide.
