Two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda will star in “The Correspondent,” the upcoming film adaptation of Virginia Evans’ bestselling novel. After a competitive seven-studio bidding war, Lionsgate landed rights to the film adaptation.
Fonda will also produce the film along with Todd Lieberman of Hidden Pictures (“The Housemaid,” “War Machine”). Screenwriter Cat Vasko (upcoming “Jour J (Unbridaled),” “Zero Stars: Do Not Recommend) will adapt the screenplay and executive produce alongside Evans.
“The Correspondent” centers on the unforgettable Sybil Van Antwerp, “a sharp-witted, fiercely opinionated, retired lawyer who has long used letters to impose order on a complicated world — writing to friends, family, literary icons, and one elusive recipient whose message she has never sent,” a synopsis explains. “But, when an unexpected letter from her past resurfaces, Sybil is forced to confront a long-buried chapter of grief, regret, and unresolved guilt.”
Evans’ breakout debut novel, published by Crown last spring, has sold more than 1 million copies and spent 17 weeks on the New York Times best-sellers list.
“We could not be more honored that Virginia, Jane, and Cat have chosen us to be their studio partner on this project, said Erin Westerman, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president. “This book spoke to so many people on our team who found Sybil’s story and character deeply moving, and we believe Jane, Virginia, and Cat responded to the genuine enthusiasm and personal touch that we bring.”
“And there’s no one better to shepherd the project than our friend Todd Lieberman at Hidden Pictures, who alongside his colleague Carly Elter, produced another successful book-to-screen adaptation in ‘The Housemaid,’” Westerman continued, noting the $400 million-grossing hit. “This is a perfect team — we’re thrilled to have won the trust of all — and we can’t wait to get started.”
Chelsea Kujawa and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee the project for Lionsgate. Carly Kleinbart Elter and Aydan Cohen will oversee for Hidden Pictures. Dan Freedman negotiated the deal on behalf of the studio.
“This book is a phenomenon,” Lieberman added. “To be invited in alongside the legend Jane Fonda, with my Lionsgate partners and Cat, is a thrilling honor — and we all can’t wait to have moviegoers experience the same catharsis that so many book readers already have.”
Fonda is represented by CAA, Untitled and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman; Vasko is represented by CAA, Untitled, and Hansen Jacobson; and Evans is represented by Untitled, Hilary McMahon at Westwood Creative, and Logan Clare at Ziffren Brittenham LLP.
Deadline first reported news of the sale.
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