Saudi Arabian filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour will direct Netflix’s upcoming film “The Selection,” based on the first entry in Kiera Cass’ popular book series.
Published in 2012, the book is set in a dystopian future where 35 girls are selected to move to a royal palace and compete for a prince’s heart. America Singer is from the society’s lower class and chosen as one of Prince Maxon’s suitors, but she’s torn between the life and love she left behind. Over time, she grows strong feelings for the Prince.
“The Selection” is the first in a five-book series and has sold more than 11 million copies around the world.
“We are thrilled to be working with Netflix and bringing these beloved books to life for the extraordinarily loyal and passionate fan base,” producer Denise Di Novi said. “The author Kiera Cass has created a spellbinding fantasy whose message of empowerment and authenticity is more relevant today than ever.”
Al-Mansour broke out with her 2012 film “Wadjda,” which earned her critical acclaim and an Indie Spirit nomination for best first feature. She followed that up with “Mary Shelley” and “The Perfect Candidate.” Netflix already had a strong relationship with the director after working with her on 2018’s “Nappily Ever After.”
She is managed by Rosalie Swedlin at Anonymous Content and represented by UTA and attorney Craig Emmanuel at Paul Hastings LLP.
Di Novi and “Divergent” franchise’s Pouya Shahbazian will produce, while Margaret French Isaac will serve as executive producer.
“I’m thrilled to be working with the brilliant Haifaa Al-Mansour and our friends at Netflix on this special film,” Shahbazian said. “Having worked on some very high profile book adaptations, I’ve never before seen the fervor and passion that ‘The Selection’ fans have for the adaptation of Kiera Cass’ book series to film.”
