L.A.-based the Mediapro Studio U.S. & Canada has secured film adaptation rights to “The Museum of Cursed Artifacts,” an upcoming novel by Evan Spiliotopoulos, writer of 2017 Disney blockbuster “Beauty and the Beast.”
Described by the Mediapro Studio as action-packed, blending suspense, adventure and supernatural twists, “The Museum of Cursed Artifacts” begins with a famed entrepreneur completing his collection of cursed artifacts. He then takes his life in a shocking manner.
His family, gutted that he blew all his money but still hoping to turn a profit with this macabre museum, assemble leading experts to verify the items’ authenticity. All hell literally breaks loose.
In what the Mediapro Studio calls a “highly competitive deal,” rights to the novel were acquired in a two-book deal with Emily Bestler Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. Spiliotopoulos — whose screenplay credits also include Russell Crowe starrer “The Pope’s Exorcist,” “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” and 2019’s “Charlie’s Angels” — is attached to pen the screenplay.
“Securing the film rights to this remarkable novel is a testament to the immense talent behind it and the strong belief we have in its potential,” said J.C. Acosta, head of the Mediapro Studio U.S. & Canada. “We are excited to collaborate on a project that is sure to captivate audiences, and we are proud to have it as part of our film slate.”
Verve, who represents Spiliotopoulos, held the auctions for both the scripted film and book rights, with both entities selling within days of each other. “You never know if your weirdest ideas will ever see the light of day. I’m grateful to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and The Mediapro Studio for not only seeing the light — but running straight into the darkness with me,” said Evan Spiliotopoulos.
“This is one of the most original and scary novels I have ever read,” said Emily Bestler.
After the presentation of its first English-language slate proved a highlight at October’s Mipcom, The Mediapro Studio US & Canada is rapidly carving out a reputation in the U.S. market as a bullishly expanding player as both a co-production partner and home to top-notch talent. Mipcom’s slate unveiled projects by John Turturro, Melissa Leo, “24” showrunner Evan Katz and Oscar winner Juan José Campanella.
In March, The Mediapro Studio US & Canada boarded as a co-producer a biopic on MMA fighter Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, produced by Keanu Reeves and Fisher Stevens. This month, The Mediapro Studio US & Canada and BBC Film announced “The End of It,” starring Rebecca Hall, Gael García Bernal, Noomi Rapace and Beanie Feldstein and launched for Cannes by Bankside Films and WME Independent.
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