There was a time when YA adaptations were all the rage, with every book that showed potential snapped up for a multi-film series. The drive has slowed somewhat in the last couple of years, but one of the prime examples of the genre, Kiera Cass' book series The Selection is now in development at Netflix, with Wadjda's Haifaa Al-Mansour directing.
The first, eponymous book in Cass' five-book series hit shelves in 2012 and 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.
"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 tells Variety. "Kiera Cass has created a spellbinding fantasy whose message of empowerment and authenticity is more relevant today than ever."
Al-Mansour followed Wadjda with Mary Shelley, comedy Nappily Ever After and last year's The Perfect Candidate. There's no information yet on when this one might get moving, especially as there's no writer attached yet.