Netflix has finished production on its take of
Remarkably Bright Creatures
, the bestselling debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt that has captivated more than a million readers since its 2022 release. Directed by Olivia Newman, known for
Where the Crawdads Sing
, the movie features two-time Oscar victor Sally Field along with Lewis Pullman and an esteemed supporting ensemble. Now that production has concluded, the venture is set to emerge as one of
Netflix
‘s major literary adaptations.
Why It Matters
The movie adaptation reflects Netflix’s ongoing commitment to investing in literary works that have an existing audience. By December 2023, this had become evident.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
had sold 1.4 million copies and had experienced an extended stay on the
New York Times
The best-selling novel revolves around an older widow and a grumpy octopus, earning praise for its distinctive appeal and profound emotionality.
As
described
in 2023 by the
New York Times
The first book is “one of those diminishing but still cherished success tales: a subtle, eccentric literary launch elevated by bookstore endorsement and whispered referrals among readers.”
The movie also brings back Sally Field for a significant dramatic part, potentially boosting the adaptation’s visibility before its debut on Netflix.
confirmed
production wrapped in May.
What to Know
Remarkably Bright Creatures
follows Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old widow working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, where she meets Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. The octopus, whose inner monologue appears throughout the novel, becomes key in unraveling the decades-old mystery of Tova’s son’s disappearance. According to Netflix’s
official synopsis
, Marcellus embarks on a quest to unravel a mystery that will mend her heart and guide her toward an enlightening revelation.
The book’s origin story is as unconventional as its plot. Van Pelt, a former financial consultant, created the character of Marcellus in a fiction writing workshop assignment and later expanded it into vignettes,
according
to
The New York Times
“I didn’t put much thought into whether this was marketable,” she said.
The New York Times
Since I never imagined anyone would read it.
The book was ultimately picked up by Ecco, leading to a delay in releasing the paperback version because of continued high demand for the hardcover edition. In February, almost three years following the initial publication of the novel, Van Pelt revealed her upcoming tour aimed at promoting the impending paperback release. The promotional tour will run until the end of May and includes stops in Wisconsin, Michigan, Oregon, Washington, and California.
The book gained momentum after Jenna Busch chose it for her “Read with Jenna” book club, as reported
The New York Times
, this lead to Van Pelt’s appearance on
The Today Show
.
Regarding the Netflix adaptation, a premiere date for the film has not yet been disclosed.
Who Stars in Netflix’s ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’?
Netflix has put together an impressive cast for the adaptation. Sally Field, known for her extensive list of works, includes
Lincoln
and
Forrest Gump
, plays Tova. Lewis Pullman (
Top Gun: Maverick
,
Lessons in Chemistry
) features alongside Colm Meaney (
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
), Joan Chen (
The Wedding Banquet
), Kathy Baker (
Edward Scissorhands
), Beth Grant (
A Land Unfit for Older Men
), and Sofia Black-D’Elia (
Single Drunk Female
) completing the cast.
The screenplay is co-authored by Olivia Newman and John Whittington.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
). Bryan Unkeless and Peter Craig are producing for Night Owl Pictures, with executive producers including Anonymous Content’s David Levine, Tony Lipp, Erika Hampson, and Alisa Tager, along with Van Pelt herself.
What People Are Saying
Shelby Van Pelt, author of
Remarkably Bright Creatures
,
posted
On Instagram as of March 28:
I’ll never feel this cool again in my lifetime. This past week on set has been incredible, and I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing this film released.
Beth Seufer Buss, who works as a sales associate at Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina,
told
The New York Times
in 2023:
I don’t believe it will decline in popularity since everyone who reads it wishes others would too. It’s universally recommended. Regardless of your current state of mind or circumstances, I could confidently place this book in your hands.
Jenna Bush Hager
told
Today.com in May 2022:
This book brims with love, humor, joy, and healing. It showcases the strength and splendor of unforeseen camaraderies. I am eagerly anticipating how this inventive, uplifting tale will astound and please the Read With Jenna book club when it arrives in May.
What’s Next
Currently, both readers and viewers eagerly anticipate a visual adaptation of one of the most cherished debut novels in recent times.
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