'Hatchet' Movie Adaptation: Netflix, Derek Cianfrance to Bring Gary Paulsen's Book to Life
Netflix and Derek Cianfrance to Adapt 'Hatchet' (EXCLUSIVE)
By Selome Hailu
Netflix is developing a feature adaptation of Hatchet, Gary Paulsen's 1987 young adult survival novel. The film will be written and directed by Derek Cianfrance, known for his films Blue Valentine (2010) and The Place Beyond the Pines (2012). Andrew Mittman, producer of Netflix's Wednesday, is also involved.
Hatchet won the Newbery Medal, a prestigious award in children's literature, and remains widely popular today. The story follows 13-year-old Brian Robeson, who finds himself stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash with only a hatchet given to him by his mother. Paulsen later expanded the narrative into a five-book series.
Production Details
The project is produced in partnership with Paulsen's estate, which selected Cianfrance after years of keeping the intellectual property off the market. Jennifer Flannery and Sandy Weinberg serve as executive producers for the estate, alongside Ruth Wright Paulsen and James Wright Paulsen. The only prior adaptation was the 1990 TV movie A Cry in the Wild.
Mittman brought the project to Netflix as part of the streamer's efforts to invest in survival thrillers, following the success of Apex and Thrash, both of which debuted with over 36 million views this year. Kai Dolbashian executive produces Hatchet via 1.21.
Cianfrance is represented by CAA and attorney Michael Schenkan at Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP.