Netflix has given the green signal to another book-to-screen adaptation – this time it is the immensely popular young adult fantasy novel ‘The Selection’, written by Kiera Cass, that will be adapted into a Netflix Original Film.
The Selection is the first book in the series of five books written by Kiera Cass. The series is loved by young adults across the world, for its dystopian yet empowering narrative. The Selection alone has sold 11 million copies worldwide.
The Selection is set in a dystopian future where everyone is divided into castes, based on their place and profession in life. Ones are the highest placed, the elite and powerful, and eight are the lowest. 35 girls from society compete for the Prince’s hand at The Selection, a competition he holds to find his bride. The narrative is centred on the protagonist, a girl called American Singer, who is a Five. The story follows her as she is caught between her growing affection for the Prince and for her former lover.
The film will be produced by Denise Di Novi and Pouya Shahbazian (who’s earlier produced the Divergent series of movies), and executive produced by Margaret French Isaac. It will be directed by Saudi Arabian director Haifaa Al-Mansour, who’s already worked with Netflix before, in Nappily Ever After in 2018. Wadjda, Mary Shelley and The Perfect Candidate are the other films directed by Al-Mansour.
Said Di Novi in a statement to the media, “We are thrilled to be working with Netflix and bringing these beloved books to life for the extraordinarily loyal and passionate fan base. The author Kiera Cass has created a spellbinding fantasy whose message of empowerment and authenticity is more relevant today than ever.”
Added Shahbazian, “I’m thrilled to be working with the brilliant Haifaa Al-Mansour and our friends at Netflix on this special film. Having worked on some very high profile book adaptations, I’ve never before seen the fervor and passion that ‘The Selection’ fans have for the adaptation of Kiera Cass’ book series to film.”
Watch this space at Binged.com, for further news on the casting and production details of the Netflix film.