Netflix gets around to adapting Hatchet
Derek Cianfrance, the filmmaker behind Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond The Pines , will direct the movie adaptation of Gary Paulsen's 1987 survival novel Hatchet .
Netflix has finally decided to develop a film adaptation of Gary Paulsen's 1987 young adult survival novel Hatchet, according to Variety. The streamer has hired Derek Cianfrance, known for directing films such as Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond The Pines, to write and direct the project. Paulsen's estate, including his widow Ruth Wright Paulsen and son James Wright Paulsen, are serving as executive producers to ensure the adaptation aligns with the author's vision.
This won't be the first attempt to bring the novel to the big screen, as a previous film, A Cry In The Wild, was released in 1990 and co-written by Paulsen himself. However, Netflix's involvement is expected to elevate the profile of this new adaptation, though its ultimate success remains to be seen. Paulsen, who had a prolific career writing over 150 books, is best known for his contributions to young adult literature.
The novel Hatchet follows the story of Brian Robeson, a 13-year-old boy surviving a plane crash while traveling to visit his father. With only a hatchet and newfound survival skills, Brian must navigate the wilderness and find a way to endure. The book was awarded a Newbery Honor and spawned four sequels, though it's unclear if Netflix plans to adapt any of those.
Written by urgent.news from The A.V. Club's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
