The YA fantasy novel Shadow and Bone was acquired by DreamWorks within months of its publication last summer, and, under the supervision of Harry Potter producer David Heyman, it continues a fast track to the big screen. The debut work from author Leigh Bardugo is courting a screenwriter who, like Heyman, is no stranger to adaptations.
According to THR, Christopher Kyle (Alexander) has entered negotiations to pen the screenplay for Shadow and Bone. That best-selling first installment of the Grisha trilogy introduces a young woman who must learn to harness her newfound magic power in order to save her country from a darkness filled with flesh-eating creatures. As just indicated, it would mark the second adaptation for the scribe in two years’ time – he also translated Ron Rash’s book Serena into an upcoming period drama starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
If Kyle signs on, he’ll be part of a hot franchise that includes the next novel in the series, Siege and Storm, which is set for a June 2013 release, and a third work planned for summer 2014. Should Shadow and Bone prove a hit, expect those to get the option in a heartbeat — if they haven’t already been bought.
Have you read Shadow and Bone? Do you think Kyle is a good choice to adapt it?