EXCLUSIVE: Sony Pictures has boarded the adaptation of Alex Michaelides’ New York Times bestselling first novel The Silent Patient. The studio joins Annapurna and Plan B, who are set to produce. Sources tell Deadline that project is being fast-tracked, with hopes to add a writer in the coming months.
The Silent Patient centers on celebrated painter Alicia Berenson, who murders her husband then never speaks again. The silence makes her infamous, her art priceless, and draws in Theo Faber, a therapist determined to reach the woman no one else can. As he gets closer to her, and those who loved and hated her, he uncovers truths and answers that lead to a shocking revelation and ending.
Published in 2019 by Celadon Books in the U.S. and Orion Books in the UK, The Silent Patient debuted on the New York Times Bestseller list at No. 1 and spent more than 200 weeks there. The book has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and has been translated and published in a record-breaking 51 countries.
Sony Pictures has built a reputation for successful literary adaptations, with recent adaptations including the box office successes It Ends With Us, which grossed over $350 million globally; Greta Gerwig’s acclaimed Little Women, which grossed over $200 million globally; and Where the Crawdads Sing. Upcoming is the adaptation of Kristen Hannah’s The Nightingale starring Dakota and Elle Fanning.
Plan B led by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner also has consistently produced successful book adaptations, a list that includes Sony Pictures’ Eat Pray Love. Other notable adaptations are The Big Short, World War Z, Underground Railroad, Women Talking and Nickel Boys. Recent projects include F1 and the award-winning Adolescence. Currently in production is the adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar directed by Sarah Polley and starring Billie Eilish, as well as the Isle of Man starring Channing Tatum. Upcoming films include The Riders directed by Edward Berger and starring Pitt, adapted from Tim Winton’s novel, and Jane Schoenbrun’s Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.
Annapurna currently has The Invite in theaters. Recent films include I Love Boosters, The Testament of Ann Lee, and the Oscar-nominated animated feature Nimona, which was based on the award-winning graphic novel.
Michaelides is repped by Katie Haines at The Agency, RCW and Anonymous Content.
