Disney Buys Movie Rights to Dystopian YA Trilogy Matched
Posted 09.16.10 by reelz
Disney and Offspring Entertainment have optioned the film rights to young adult book trilogy Matched, written by debut novelist Ally Condie. Matched is the first book in the series, and is set in a dystopian future, where the mysterious society dictates every part of your life -- who you marry, where you work and how long you live for. When main character Cassia turns 17, she takes part in a matching ceremony where she is paired with her perfect partner. The question is: what happens when your chosen match isn't the boy you love? And just how far do you go to defy the society?
Disney won the bidding war over Paramount, with Offspring already on the hunt for a scriptwriter to adapt the book. Matched is unsurprisingly being compared to other YA franchises, like Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga, thanks to its strong love triangle and target audience. Although Matched is aimed at young adults, there isn't a vampire, angel or werewolf in sight. Instead it focuses on a future where choice has been eradicated, your life is mapped out from the moment you're born and everything you do is preordained.
Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot, who produced the Step Up movies, are on board for Matched, and no doubt the search for a director will start early next year. The book is due for publication on November 30th, from Puffin Razorbill.
If you're a reader of YA fiction and have been lucky enough to pick up an advanced copy, are you happy with this news? Do you think the book will translate well to the big screen? Is dystopia the new vampire? Let us know in the comments.