Netflix is developing an adaptation of “Hatchet,” Gary Paulsen’s 1987 young adult survival novel.
The film will be written and directed by Derek Cianfrance, best known for films such as “Blue Valentine” (2010) and “The Place Beyond the Pines” (2012). Andrew Mittman, whose company 1.21 is behind Netflix’s “Wednesday,” is a producer.
“Hatchet” was published in 1987 and won the Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children’s literature. It remains widely appreciated today. According to the official description, “Hatchet” follows “13-year-old Brian Robeson, stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash with nothing but the hatchet his mother gave him.” Paulsen later expanded the story into a five-book series including “The River” (1991), “Brian’s Winter” (1996), “Brian’s Return” (1999) and “Brian’s Hunt” (2003).
The film is being produced in partnership with the Paulsen estate, which was involved in selecting Cianfrance to direct the project after years of keeping the intellectual property off the market. The estate is represented by Jennifer Flannery and Sandy Weinberg, who serve as executive producers alongside Ruth Wright Paulsen and James Wright Paulsen. Previously, the only adaptation of “Hatchet” was the 1990 TV movie “A Cry in the Wild.”
Mittman pitched the project to Netflix as part of the streamer’s efforts to invest more in survival thrillers following the release of the films “Apex” and “Thrash,” both of which debuted with more than 36 million views earlier this year. Kai Dolbashian director produces “Hatchet” via version 1.21.
Cianfrance is represented by CAA and attorney Michael Schenkan at Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP.
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