Culture 4 min read By Trevor Kendall
Francis Lawrence to Direct 'Red Rising' Adaptation for Paramount
Paramount has acquired film rights to Pierce Brown's bestselling sci-fi series 'Red Rising,' with Francis Lawrence set to direct the first installment and Justin Rhodes writing the screenplay.
Paramount has secured the film rights to Pierce Brown's New York Times bestselling science fiction series «Red Rising» and has tapped Francis Lawrence to direct an adaptation of the first novel. The studio confirmed the deal, which brings one of modern sci-fi's most popular properties to the big screen under the guidance of a filmmaker known for large-scale dystopian storytelling.
Justin Rhodes, a writer-producer whose credits include «Terminator: Dark Fate» and the Prime Video series «Secret Level,» will pen the screenplay. The film will adapt the original 2014 novel, the first book in Brown's series, which has built a devoted international readership across multiple sequels.
Lawrence and Cameron MacConomy will produce the project. Lawrence's involvement signals Paramount's ambition to launch a franchise with a director who has extensive experience bringing young-adult dystopian fiction to theaters. He previously directed three of the four «Hunger Games» films — «Catching Fire,» «Mockingjay – Part 1,» and «Mockingjay – Part 2» — as well as the post-apocalyptic «I Am Legend» and the recent «Constantine» sequel. His track record with literary adaptations makes him a natural fit for Brown's sprawling universe.
The «Red Rising» saga is set in a future society divided into a rigid color-coded hierarchy, following a protagonist named Darrow who infiltrates the ruling class to challenge the system. The series has drawn comparisons to «The Hunger Games» and «Ender's Game» for its blend of action, political intrigue, and social commentary. Brown's books have sold millions of copies worldwide and maintain a passionate fan community that has long awaited a screen adaptation.
Paramount's acquisition comes as studios continue to invest heavily in science fiction and fantasy properties with built-in audiences. The success of franchises like «Dune» and «The Hunger Games» has demonstrated the commercial potential of adapting beloved book series, particularly those with strong world-building and loyal readerships. «Red Rising» fits that mold, offering a complete narrative arc across multiple novels that could sustain a film series.
No release date or casting details have been announced. The project remains in early development, with Rhodes set to deliver a script before production timelines are determined. For now, the announcement marks a significant step for a property that has been discussed as a potential adaptation for years.
For Lawrence, the project adds another high-profile genre title to a filmography that already includes «The Hunger Games» franchise and the «Divergent» series entry «Insurgent.» His ability to balance spectacle with character-driven storytelling will be tested by «Red Rising,» which requires both elaborate world-building and a compelling central performance.
Brown's series currently spans six novels, with a seventh in the works, giving Paramount ample material to expand beyond the first film if the adaptation performs well. The first book alone introduces a complex society, a revenge-driven protagonist, and a series of brutal trials that could translate into a visually striking cinematic experience.
Fans of the books have speculated for years about who might bring Darrow and his world to life. The combination of Lawrence's experience and Rhodes's genre credentials suggests Paramount is aiming for a faithful but accessible adaptation that can appeal to both longtime readers and newcomers.
The studio has not yet commented on a production start date or a targeted release window. Further announcements regarding casting and crew are expected as the project moves forward.
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