Category: Exclusive - NovelPro Junkie

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: James Byrne Reacts to Deadlock's On-screen Adaptation Titled 'The Gatekeeper'

7/13/2026

New York Times bestselling author James Byrne is bringing his novel 'Deadlock' to the screen with 'The Gatekeeper', an adaptation currently in development at Amazon MGM Studios and Di Bonaventura Pictures.

Mosul filmmaker Matthew Michael Carnahan is attached to direct the project, which follows Desmond “Dez” Aloysius Limerick, an unconventional, multi-talented former operative. After saving the life of a reporter during a chance encounter, Dez uncovers a sprawling conspiracy and must confront the powerful forces determined to keep their secrets buried.

Although the character first appeared in James Byrne’s debut novel The Gatekeeper, the film—adapted by Oscar-winning L.A. Confidential screenwriter Brian Helgeland—is based on Byrne’s second Dez Limerick thriller, Deadlock.

Here's an exclusive, Novelpro Junkie statement from James Byrne about the announcement:

“It’s mind-boggling to think that the guy who got the Oscar for co-writing “LA Confidential” (one of the greatest scripts in Hollywood history) and the guy who wrote “The Kingdom” (one of the brainiest action-adventure scripts of all time) are playing with my toys in my sandbox! I’m beyond grateful to have such major talents helping to shape my characters and my story. This is going to be amazing!”

The Dez Limerick series is published by Minotaur Books and continues with Chain Reaction, the third novel, followed by the fourth installment, Storm Warning.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: Screenwriter Charles Spano Reacts to News That the Viral YouTube Short 'Open Door' Is Being Adapted into a Feature Film

6/17/2026

Don't miss Novelpro Junkie's interview with screenwriter Charles Spano, where he discusses the science-fiction film "IO". Click HERE to read the full interview.

Following the success of films such as Obsession and Backrooms, Hollywood is turning to digital creators and viral content in search of its next breakout hit—and Open Door could be next in line.

According to Variety, the viral sci-fi short has secured a six-figure development deal for a feature-length adaptation. Created by Kevin Cate, Open Door has amassed nearly 15 million views across YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.

Cate will co-write the feature screenplay alongside IO screenwriter Charles Spano, expanding on the concept introduced in the original short. Sean Anthony Baker and Mia Matthews are set to reprise their roles from the three-minute film, which follows two strangers whose elevator ride spirals into an increasingly surreal and terrifying nightmare.

Here is an exclusive, Novelpro Junkie statement from screenwriter Charles Spano on writing "Open Door" feature project:

"When I'm writing, I'm looking to be awed and surprised by what a character has to confront and overcome and discover. Malcolm, the hero of OPEN DOOR, really goes through the wringer."

According to the official synopsis, the feature adaptation will chronicle the surreal, genre-bending journey of Malcolm Powers as he navigates a reality far stranger—and more dangerous—than he ever imagined.

Stay tuned to Novelpro Junkie for updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and the latest commentary from Charles Spano as new developments on Open Door emerge. In the meantime, you can watch the viral YouTube short that started it all by clicking HERE.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive: Catherine Adel West Responds to Universal TV’s Acquisition of 'Strangers Behind Closed Doors'

6/15/2026

According to Variety, Universal Television has secured the rights to Catherine Adel West’s novel, Strangers Behind Closed Doors, and is developing it for television. The novel was released on June 9 from Park Row. LaToya Morgan will adapt the novel for television and executive produce under her first-look deal with Universal Television.

Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Unfinished Business ) is attached to direct and executive produce through Blackmaled Productions, alongside Dominique Telson under the company’s first-look agreement with Universal Television. Lee said he was immediately drawn to the novel’s premise and knew he wanted to help bring the story to television. He added that partnering with LaToya Morgan strengthens the project with a dynamic creative team committed to delivering compelling storytelling.

Michael Allen will oversee the project for Blackmaled, while author Catherine Adel West will serve as a producer. Universal Television will produce the project as the studio.

Here's an exclusive, Novelpro Junkie statement from Catherine Adel West about the announcement:

"I'm still processing the news, my excitement, and the possibilities for the adaptation of Strangers Behind Closed Doors with Universal Television. I could tell that Malcolm D. Lee and the team at Blackmaled Productions really understood the characters, the themes, and the important social commentary surrounding the story. To also have LaToya Morgan attached is a dream! I'm truly grateful."

Here is the book synopsis of "Stranger Behind Closed Doors" by Catherine Adel West:

Giovanni Mason has spent years building a reputation strong enough to make history as the first Black head concierge at Chicago’s prestigious Ivory Hotel. Dedicated, meticulous, and disciplined, she has always kept her composure—until a heated confrontation with her former best friend, beauty influencer Natalie Moore, erupts publicly in the hotel restaurant.
When Natalie vanishes just hours later, suspicion quickly falls on Giovanni. A bloodstained hotel room, unexplained bruises, and a troubling gap in her memory make her the prime suspect.
But Detective Redding Stark believes there is more to the story. Noticing connections between Natalie’s disappearance and a disturbing pattern of missing Black women, Stark suspects a much larger conspiracy is at play. As she and Giovanni dig deeper, they uncover a dangerous network of privilege, corruption, and betrayal that extends far beyond the Ivory Hotel’s luxurious walls.
With time running out, Giovanni and Detective Stark must find Natalie before they become the next victims.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: Book-based Film 'Night & Day' World Premiere Photos At SXSW London

6/4/2026

Courtesy of Tina Gharavi

Virginia Woolf's Night & Day premiered globally at SXSW London on June 1, 2026. The film is set for release in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on June 19, 2026, with U.S. theatrical and digital release dates expected to be announced later in the year.

Film synopsis:
Set in London in 1910, the story follows a passionate astronomer who defies the conventions of love and marriage. Against the backdrop of the suffragette movement and a rapidly changing world of scientific discovery, she challenges the limits imposed on women in Edwardian society.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: Author Wendy Walker Reacts to Kerry Washington Starring in Hulu’s Upcoming Adaptation of 'What Remains'

6/4/2026

According to Deadline, Hulu is moving forward with What Remains, a thriller drama based on Wendy Walker’s 2023 novel. Emmy winner Kerry Washington is attached to star in and executive produce the series, with Chris Luccy writing and McG directing. The adaptation is being produced by 20th Television and Kapital Entertainment.

The story follows Detective Elise Sutton (Washington), who is consumed by guilt after killing a disturbed man in the line of duty. When she reaches out to a man she rescued during the incident, she discovers he is not who he appears to be. As Elise becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, she comes to realize she may be the only person capable of stopping him.

Following the announcement, Walker shared her thoughts on the adaptation in an exclusive Q&A with Novelpro Junkie:

1. What was your reaction when you learned that Hulu wanted to adapt What Remains for television?

I remember exactly where I was when I heard my phone ring , and then saw the name of our producer, Aaron Kaplan, on my screen. I knew they were going in to pitch the show so I was practically holding my breath when I answered. I could not have been more excited with the news! I have always believed that this story would make a great series, and am grateful that it has found a home at Hulu!

2. What was your reaction when you learned Chris Luccy is writing the adaptation and McG is directing.?

The pieces for the adaptation came together one at a time, and with each step I became more and more excited. When Chris Luccy signed on to write and shared his vision for the show, I could see the story was in the perfect hands. The same was true when McG came on board to direct. Together they are bringing an incredible amount of experience and talent to the story and characters.

3. Emmy-winning actress Kerry Washington is attached to star as Detective Elise Sutton. What are your thoughts on her in this role?

I absolutely loved her portrayal of Olivia Pope in SCANDAL and have been a fan ever since. She is a phenomenal and versatile actor, and her work in recent thrillers truly showcases the depth and emotion she brings to all of her characters. I can’t wait to see what she does with Elise!

Walker is the best-selling author of psychological thrillers including All Is Not Forgotten, Emma in the Night, and The Night Before, as well as the audio original The Room Next Door. Her novels have been translated into more than 23 languages worldwide. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as both an attorney and investment banker. Her next thriller, Ten Years Gone, is scheduled for release in February 2027.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: Tina Gharavi and Justine Waddell React to Quiver Distribution’s 'Night & Day' Acquisition

5/25/2026

According to Variety, Quiver Distribution has acquired North American rights to “Night & Day,” a film adaptation of a novel by Virginia Woolf. The company is planning a theatrical release for the film this fall.

The movie stars Haley Bennett, Lily Allen, Jack Whitehall, Jennifer Saunders, Timothy Spall and Elyas M’Barek. BAFTA-nominated filmmaker Tina Gharavi will direct the feature, with Justine Waddell adapting the screenplay. Both recently shared their thoughts on the announcement with Novelpro Junkie.

First, here's an exclusive, Novelpro Junkie statement from director Tina Gharavi about the announcement:

“Bringing Night & Day to life has been both a beautiful and demanding journey. Virginia Woolf’s novel isn’t just a period love story; it’s a thoughtful exploration of independence, identity, and what it means for women to claim their own place in the world.

In adapting this story, I found myself asking many of the same questions Woolf was asking in 1919: How do love, marriage, and personal freedom relate to one another? Why do these questions matter now as much as they did then? Night & Day invites us to sit with characters who are learning to define themselves on their own terms, to choose passion and purpose over expectation.

For me, this is a story about courage; the courage to follow your own ambitions, to challenge conventions, and to find your way in a world that often tells you who you should be. I truly hope audiences will connect with Katharine’s journey and see in her a reflection of their own search for meaning and belonging today.”

Next is screenwriter Justine Waddell's statements to the following, Novelpro Junkie questions:

1. What does it mean for the film to secure North American distribution through Quiver Distribution?

We are thrilled to partner with Quiver. They have a growing respected reputation in the industry. We know they will be great partners as Night & Day sets out on its journey to find its American audience.

2. What can audiences expect from the performances by Haley Bennett and Lily Allen?

Haley is incandescent. It’s a great performance filled with humor, passion, lightness and drive. Lily is her perfect foil: her light touch and natural charisma turning Mary, our suffragette, into one of the film’s beacons.

3. In one word, how would you describe the feeling when you learned the film had been acquired for North American distribution?

Enthused and excited.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: Trisha Addicks Comments on Legendary TV Optioning Her Book ‘The Rush Bible’ For Series Adaptation; Eva Longoria To EP

5/21/2026

Get your copy of "The Rush Bible" by clicking on simonandschuster.com

According to Deadline, Legendary TV has secured the rights to adapt The Rush Bible, the debut book from sorority recruitment coach Trisha Addicks, into a television series. Addicks’ book serves as a candid guide for young women — and often their mothers — navigating the intense world of sorority rush. But, the television adaptation will center on a fictional recruitment consulting firm where high-priced coaches help clients survive the competitive sorority selection process.

Legendary and Hyphenate Media Group are producing the project, with Eva Longoria and Cris Abrego serving as executive producers alongside the author herself, Trisha Addicks.

Trisha Addicks said, for Deadline, she immediately felt Legendary Entertainment was the right partner to adapt The Rush Bible, praising the company’s strong reputation and thoughtful approach to storytelling. She also expressed excitement and gratitude for Eva Longoria and her team producing the project, saying she trusts them to bring the story to life in an authentic and powerful way.

Here's an exclusive, Novelpro Junkie statement from Trisha Addicks about the announcement:

This news is everything I hoped for when I sat down to write The Rush Bible. Sorority recruitment is one of the most defining experiences in a young woman's life, and I have spent more than two decades helping girls navigate it with confidence and authenticity. To see that story recognized by Legendary Entertainment and Hyphenate Productions, and to have Eva Longoria attached as executive producer, feels like a full-circle moment. Eva, her team, and the Legendary team are a dream team for this project, and they bring a cultural intelligence and a genuine investment in women's stories that makes this the right home for The Rush Bible. I cannot wait to see this project come to life on screen.

Here is the book synopsis of "The Rush Bible: Secrets to Crush Sorority Recruitment and Find Your Forever Greek Home" by Trisha Addicks:

The Rush Bible is a candid, no-nonsense guide to navigating sorority recruitment from renowned rush consultant Trisha Addicks. Designed for anxious prospective members — and often their equally stressed parents — the book breaks down the highly competitive world of sorority rush, from securing recommendation letters to mastering recruitment rankings and building a standout résumé.
Drawing on insider knowledge from her elite consulting firm, Addicks offers practical advice, emotional support, and strategies for handling every stage of rush, whether or not readers have connections or a luxury wardrobe. Framed as the ultimate survival guide to Greek life recruitment, the book aims to help young women confidently navigate the process, avoid common pitfalls, and ultimately find the right sisterhood without losing themselves in the process.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: Jared Cade Comments on Actress Felicity Jones Starring In Film Adaptation Of His Book 'Agatha Christie and the Eleven Missing Days'

5/16/2026

As previously reported in a Novelpro Junkie post, Felicity Jones is attached to star in the film adaptation of Agatha Christie and the Eleven Missing Days by Jared Cade. Jones will portray legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie alongside Vincent Cassel, who is set to play a retired Belgian police detective.

Now, Cade himself — the author behind the noir thriller — has shared his thoughts on the exciting adaptation news, with his first comments appearing here on Novelpro Junkie.

Here's an exclusive, Novelpro Junkie statement from author Jared Cade about the announcement:

"I just returned home from Portofino a couple of hours ago to discover the news has broken and that everyone now knows two-time Oscar nominee Felicity Jones will be playing Agatha Christie in the film version of my biography 'Agatha Christie and the Eleven Missing Days', which is being retitled 'Eleven Missing Days' for the motion picture. I've been nursing the secret for months and during that time I haven't told a living soul. Felicity Jones is one of my favorite actresses of all time, and I'm confident she's going to be fantastic in the role of Agatha Christie. She has an extraordinary emotional range and I'm sure her finely-nuanced performance will draw considerable empathy from audiences and introduce them to a younger Agatha Christie who was on the cusp of becoming famous when her life unraveled and she became the subject of the biggest manhunt for a missing person in British history during her annus horribilis - 1926. The film is being produced by Animus Films who also produced The Man Who Knew Infinity starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons and Stephen Fry, I'm beside myself with excitement knowing my book is finally going to reach the screen."

Here is the book synopsis of "Agatha Christie and the Eleven Missing Days" by Jared Cade:

In December 1926, Agatha Christie vanished from her home in Berkshire, England, under mysterious circumstances. After her abandoned car was discovered, the case sparked the largest search effort for a missing person in British history at the time. Eleven days later, the famed crime novelist was found more than 200 miles away at a spa hotel in northern England, reportedly suffering from amnesia.

When Jared Cade’s bestselling biography was first published in 1998, it offered one of the most detailed investigations yet into the unexplained disappearance — a subject Christie herself never addressed in her memoirs due to the personal trauma surrounding the incident. The book, which later inspired a BBC documentary, examines what may have happened during the crucial first 24 hours after she vanished and questions whether her memory loss was genuine.

Drawing on forgotten accounts, family testimony, and newly uncovered details, Cade’s investigation explores why Christie allegedly orchestrated the disappearance with the help of an accomplice — and how the situation spiraled beyond her control. The biography also sheds light on the emotional and personal experiences that shaped Christie’s life and career in the years that followed.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: Author Grady Hendrix Responds to Ben Leonberg Directing Sony Pictures’ Adaptation of His Short Story

4/22/2026

Take a look at Grady Hendrix’s previous Novelpro Junkie interview by clicking HERE!

According to Deadline, Ben Leonberg has signed on to direct Ankle Snatcher, an adaptation of the short story by author and Novelpro Junkie guest Grady Hendrix, for Sony Pictures. Ankle Snatcher is a short story from the Creature Feature collection by Amazon Original Stories, first published in September 2023.

Ben Leonberg will also revise the script with his writing partner Alex Cannon, expanding on Grady Hendrix’s original adaptation.

Todd Black, Tony Shaw, and Jason Blumenthal of Escape Artists are producing, alongside Grady Hendrix and Adam Goldworm of Aperture Entertainment.

Here is an exclusive, Novelpro Junkie statement from Grady Hendrix on Ben Leonberg directing the on-screen adaptation of his short story:

"I'm a big fan of GOOD BOY and even though there are no dogs in my story, I know Ben's up to the challenge of bringing my disgusting monster to life. It was a long road to make this happen and I couldn't be happier."

Here is the book synopsis of "Ankle Snatcher" by Grady Hendrix:

Follow the rules—it's the only way to make it through the night—in this chilling short story from the New York Times bestselling author of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.

Marcus grew up convinced his father murdered his mother and blamed it on the boogeyman lurking beneath the bed. “Always leave the lights on,” his father warned, “or it will come for you.” Now older, Marcus still clings to that rule—especially when his new girlfriend comes over. But is there truly something in the dark, or has Marcus inherited his father’s unraveling mind? By morning, he’ll have his answer.

Novelpro Junkie Exclusive!: Tawnya Bhattacharya Reacts To Adapting YA Thriller ‘The One That Got Away With Murder’ For Hulu

4/22/2026

According to Deadline, Tawnya Bhattacharya and Ali Laventhol are developing a new project at Hulu—a television adaptation of Trish Lundy’s YA thriller titled The One That Got Away With Murder. Lundy’s novel was published two years ago under the Square Fish imprint, earning strong reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, and other outlets, and was named a Barnes & Noble Best YA of 2024.

Bhattacharya and Laventhol will executive produce alongside Sidonie Dumas, Nicolas Atlan, and Alexandra Zimbler Smith for Gaumont—the studio behind Narcos and Lupin.

Here is an exclusive, Novelpro Junkie statement from Tawnya Bhattacharya on adapting Trish Lundy's thrilling novel:

"Adapting THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY WITH MURDER as a TV show was a no brainer for my writing partner, Ali Laventhol and myself. In reading Trish Lundy’s book, we saw it had all the elements we were looking for starting with the concept. I mean, A high school girl who realizes the boy she’s fallen for is rumored to have murdered his girlfriend, so she sets out to prove (hopefully) that he didn’t do it… How fun is that? Trish’s book is a great ride. Propulsive and thrilling with imperfect characters harboring secrets, twists, turns, a dangerous, sexy romance at the center of it. How is that not a show!"

Here is the book synopsis of "The One That Got Away With Murder" by Trish Lundy:

“A razor-sharp thriller you’ll race through in one sitting.” —Jessie Weaver, author of Live Your Best Lie

Be careful who you fall for…

Robbie and Trevor Cresmont are as dangerous as they are privileged. Wealthy, handsome, and seemingly untouchable, the brothers have long been shadowed by suspicion in Happy Valley, where many believe they’re responsible for the deaths of their ex-girlfriends. First came soccer star Victoria Moreno, Robbie’s ex, who drowned under mysterious circumstances at the family lake house. A year later, Trevor’s girlfriend died from what appeared to be a suspicious overdose.

But the Cresmonts aren’t the only ones hiding something. New student Lauren O’Brian arrives with a troubled past of her own, determined to start over. That plan begins to unravel when she enters a casual relationship with Robbie. What’s supposed to be their final weekend together takes a dark turn when Lauren uncovers disturbing evidence that could tie him to the crimes.
As tension builds and another death shakes the town, Lauren finds herself running out of time—and trust. Now she must decide whether to walk away from Robbie or risk becoming his next victim.

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