The Hollywood Reporter brings word that rights to B.B. Alston’s book Amari and the Night Brothers has been acquired by Universal Pictures following a bidding war over the author’s debut novel. Actress Marsai Martin (Black-ish) and Don Cheadle (Avengers: Endgame) will produce.
RELATED: Universal Shifts Release Dates for The Croods and Sing Sequels
Martin is intended to star in the movie adaptation. Her recent credits include Universal’s comedy Little, which Martin also executive produced, and the TV series Black-ish.
Details about the book are being kept under wraps, but it is known to be a middle-grade contemporary real-world fantasy centered on a black girl who goes on a journey in which she discovers her hidden powers.
Balzer+Bray/Harper won a six-way auction for U.S. rights of the novel after it made waves at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in April. A January 2021 publishing date is being considered.
RELATED: Universal’s The Photograph Adds The OA Star Kingsley Ben-Adir
Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman of Mandeville Films (Beauty and the Beast, Wonder) will also produce alongside Martin and Josh Martin’s Genius Productions. The book was sourced for Mandeville through Naomi Funabashi alongside Genius Productions’ Prince Baggett. Sara Scott, senior VP of production, and creative executive Christine Sun will oversee the project for Universal.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
