Studiocanal has secured an option on The Divorce, the new novel by Freida McFadden, whose 2022 book was the basis for last year’s hit thriller The Housemaid.
Studiocanal and Working Title will co-produce the film version, now in early development, of the soon-to-be-published novel.
Studiocanal will fully finance the project, with Ron Halpern and Joe Naftalin overseeing development and production. The company will release the film theatrically in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Benelux, Australia and New Zealand and handle global distribution.
The option deal was led by Studiocanal Stories, Studiocanal’s specialised label, launched in 2024, for film and TV series literary adaptations.
Set for publication on May 26 by Poisoned Pen Press, The Divorce is described as a thriller about what happens when “love curdles into vengeance and survival becomes the most dangerous game of all.”
Lionsgate’s film version of The Housemaid grossed more than $400m worldwide on its release last December. Studiocanal distributed the film in Australia and New Zealand.
Commenting on the option for the new novel, McFadden said: “I’m delighted to be working with the teams at Studiocanal and Working Title to bring The Divorce to the big screen. From the start, they have come forward with an unparalleled enthusiasm and a strong vision for how to get this project off the ground. I can’t wait to see what unfolds!”
Studiocanal CEO and Canal+ Group chief content officer Anna March added: “We are thrilled to be working with Freida McFadden on our adaptation of The Divorce. From the very first page, it was utterly compelling. Freida has a rare ability to draw readers – and viewers – into an unsettling sense of comfort, before brilliantly pulling the rug from under them. The Divorce is ambitious, aspirational and irresistibly addictive storytelling at its best, and marks an exciting new chapter for Studiocanal Stories. I would like to congratulate the Studiocanal team on this landmark deal, which powerfully demonstrates our commitment to nurturing distinctive literary voices for the screen.”
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