Universal Pictures has recently secured the rights to the short story package titled ‘Don’t Look,’ penned by Colin Bannon. The project is in talks to feature Janelle Monae as the lead, with Akela Cooper adapting Bannon’s unpublished thriller story into a screenplay.
Monae, also in discussions to produce through her Wondaland Pictures’ first look deal with Universal, is keeping the project’s details under wraps, emphasizing the confidentiality of Bannon’s original work. Bannon, known for his recent Universal deal on the horror short story ‘Long Lost,’ has a remarkable track record, having landed seven scripts on the Black List.
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Scott Glassgold’s Ground Control is partnering with Monae’s production company in this endeavor. Glassgold and Cooper, who previously collaborated on the short story ‘It’s Over,’ are continuing their successful partnership. Cooper, recognized for her contributions to Netflix series like ‘Luke Cage,’ ‘American Horror Story,’ and Paramount+ Star Trek: ‘Strange New Worlds,’ is set to bring her TV expertise to the big screen.
Bannon, along with Ground Control, is represented by Verve, which recently brokered a deal for another short story amidst a competitive week in the industry. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Development Tony Ducret will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
In another noteworthy development, Sony Pictures has triumphed in a competitive bidding war for Jack Follman’s captivating 29-page short story, ‘It’s Over.’ The deal, valued in the mid- to high-six-figure range, is the first significant material sale post the conclusion of a prolonged writers’ strike.
Akela Cooper, celebrated for her work on horror hits like ‘Hell Fest’ and ‘Malignant,’ is set to pen the screenplay for ‘It’s Over.’ The narrative, shrouded in secrecy, is described as a horror-genre take on the distressing breakup of a long-term couple, skillfully weaving humor and social commentary.
The film will be produced by Roy Lee’s Vertigo Entertainment and Scott Glassgold’s Ground Control, ensuring a compelling on-screen adaptation. With Cooper’s proven ability to blend thrills and humor, ‘It’s Over’ promises to be a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
Sony Pictures secures the novel publishing rights for ‘It’s Over,’ further expanding the project’s reach. The involvement of Cooper, coupled with Sony’s backing, positions the film as a potential game-changer in the horror genre. As the project unfolds, audiences can anticipate a unique blend of suspense, humor, and social commentary, making ‘It’s Over’ a standout addition to the cinematic landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting venture.