Netflix has been doing very well with its crop of YA romance films, with the biggest success being the recent “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” franchise. And it appears the streaming platform isn’t stopping its YA romance wave anytime soon, and the studio has signed one of the best up-and-coming filmmakers to make it happen with the new film, “The Selection.”
According to Variety, filmmaker Haifaa Al-Mansour has been selected to helm “The Selection,” based on the first book of a popular series by author Kiera Cass. The film mixes fantasy, sci-fi, and romance telling the story of a dystopian future where 35 young women have been selected as potential suitors for a prince. The story focuses on lowly America Singer, who is selected as the prince’s love, but she has to reckon with the newfound responsibilities and the life she’s leaving behind.
“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.”
“I’m thrilled to be working with the brilliant Haifaa Al-Mansour and our friends at Netflix on this special film,” producer Pouya 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.”
Al-Mansour broke out in a big way in 2012, thanks to her film “Wadjda,” which earned critical acclaim upon its release. However, the film holds even more cultural significance as the first feature filmed entirely in Saudi Arabia, as well as being the first feature-length film made by a female Saudi director. She’s kept busy since then, with three more features, including “Mary Shelley,” “Nappily Ever After,” and last year’s critically-acclaimed “The Perfect Candidate.”
It’s unclear when filming might begin on “The Selection,” or when the film might be released on Netflix.