The captivating tale of "Remarkably Bright Creatures," the wildly successful novel penned by Shelby Van Pelt, is set to leap from the pages to the silver screen, as Netflix has embraced this literary gem with open arms. Sally Field, the iconic actress whose recent stint in "80 for Brady" left audiences captivated, is in heated negotiations to star in this enchanting film, under the deft direction of Olivia Newman, renowned for her masterpiece "Where the Crawdads Sing." Newman, along with her collaborator John Whittington, will also pen the screenplay, weaving a spellbinding narrative.
David Levine, of Anonymous Content, joins forces with the dynamic duo of Bryan Unkeless (of "I, Tonya" fame) and esteemed screenwriter Peter Craig, who has penned blockbusters like "The Town" and "The Batman." Adding a personal touch, Craig is also Field's son, ensuring a harmonious blend of creativity and familial bond.
The novel delves into the extraordinary bond forged between a solitary woman, toiling as an aquarium janitor, and Marcellus, a colossal Pacific octopus residing within the aquarium's depths. The woman, consumed by grief over the loss of her husband and haunted by the three-decade-old mystery of her son's disappearance at sea, finds solace in the unlikely friendship with the octopus, a cranky yet incredibly intelligent cephalopod that might just hold the key to unlocking her emotional shackles.
Since its spring 2022 release by Ecco, "Remarkably Bright Creatures" has captured hearts and minds, sparking a viral sensation that propelled it to the pinnacle of 2023's best-selling books, according to reputable book tracking sources. With over 2 million copies sold and counting, through at least 30 print runs, it has earned the endearing moniker of "that octopus book," endearingly embraced by readers worldwide.
Van Pelt's debut novel, a labor of love nurtured from a short story birthed in an Emory University fiction writing workshop, is poised to enchant moviegoers as Netflix prepares to bring this heartwarming tale to life. Netflix, however, remains tight-lipped about the deal's specifics, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the magical unraveling of this extraordinary relationship between woman and octopus.
Tony Lipp from Anonymous Content and Alyssa Rodrigues jointly helm the executive production reins, bringing their expertise to the forefront. Whittington, a seasoned name in animation and storytelling, co-authored the blockbuster 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2,' which amassed over $400 million globally, subsequently igniting the Paramount+ exclusive 'Knuckles' miniseries in April. He's now gearing up for the release of 'Sonic 3,' co-penned by his talented hands, set to captivate audiences in December. Whittington's impressive animation portfolio boasts credits on 'The Lego Batman Movie,' 'The Lego Ninjago Movie,' and the delightful 'DC League of Super-Pets.'
Newman, a seasoned adapter, proved her mettle with 'The Crawdads,' a faithful translation of Delia Owens' novel that surpassed all expectations, raking in $144.3 million worldwide on a modest $24 million budget. She further solidified her directorial prowess by helming the pilot episode of Apple TV+'s 'The Last Thing He Told Me,' a gripping adaptation of Laura Dave's novel, starring Jennifer Garner.
Field, a Hollywood veteran adorned with two Academy Awards for her portrayals in 'Norma Rae' (1979) and 'Places in the Heart' (1984), along with a nomination for Steven Spielberg's masterpiece 'Lincoln,' boasts a diverse filmography spanning from classic comedies like 'Smokey and the Bandit' and 'Hooper' to heartwarming dramas like 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'Forrest Gump.' She even graced the silver screen as Aunt May in the Andrew Garfield-led 'Amazing Spider-Man' franchise. More recently, Field captivated audiences as Jeanie Buss in HBO's highly acclaimed 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.' Represented by UTA and Anonymous Content, Field continues to shine brightly in Hollywood's constellation.
Newman is ably represented by WME, Grandview, and Jackoway Austen, while Whittington's impressive roster includes Verve, Grandview, and McGuin Frankel. Grandview also boasts Craig and Unkeless among its clients, alongside CAA. Both Craig and Unkeless are further supported by Hansen Jacobson and Eric Suddleson, respectively. Van Pelt rounds out the esteemed line-up, represented by Anonymous Content and Kristin Nelson, each navigating the intricate landscape of Hollywood with finesse and panache.
