Following a bidding war, Lionsgate has acquired the film rights to Judy Blume’s classic novel Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, according to Deadline. Kelly Fremon Craig will direct her adapted screenplay and will reunite with Gracie Films’ James L. Brooks who will produce and previously collaborated with Craig on The Edge of Seventeen.
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A sixth-grader who moves from the city to the suburbs, Margaret prays to God to watch over her and help her through her anxieties, including puberty and its changes to her body and her emotions. Blume’s frank, loving narrative has struck a chord with generations of readers, and the book was on Time’s list of the top 100 works of fiction since 1923. Its legion of fans have also beaten back several attempts to ban it from libraries over the years.
“I could not be more honored to bring Margaret to the screen alongside my two biggest heroes, Jim Brooks and Judy Blume, and the fiercely passionate team at Gracie Films. Lionsgate swept us away with their resounding passion for this book and what it has meant to generations, and I am thrilled to lock arms with Erin Westerman, Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake, and the rest of their exceptional team to bring this film to life,” said Craig.
Pick up your copy of the book here!
Lionsgate President of Production Erin Westerman added: “This title was an anthem when we first read it as teens, and it remains timeless and relevant because nothing has captured the coming-of-age experience with the same authenticity, truth, and respect. For that reason, Judy Blume is a beacon for women and girls. Kelly Fremon Craig is a filmmaker we have adored and chased for years, and James L Brooks is a hero to us all. Together, they delivered an adaptation that captures all the scope and potential of the title; the themes of identity, loneliness, confidence, and kindness are urgent, ageless and more necessary today than ever before. We are honored they heard our passion and have chosen Lionsgate as their home. This will be the movie event of the year for women and girls. And you know what? Men will love it too!”
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Blume granted rights and approved Craig and Brooks after the duo visited her in Key West. Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, Amy Brooks, Craig, and Blume will produce alongside Brooks.
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