Acclaimed writer John Logan will adapt Pulitzer Prize-winning author Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian” novel into a feature film for director John Hillcoat.
Hillcoat is also producing along with Keith Redmon for New Regency. Cormac McCarthy’s son, John Francis McCarthy, will serve as executive producer, while Cormac, who died in June 2023, will receive a posthumous executive producer credit.
“It’s incredibly exciting to have John Logan on board,” John Francis said. “Very reassuring in the seemingly long list of good news concerning what was originally such an intimidating undertaking.”
Related Stories
The project was originally set up with director James Franco and star Russell Crowe in 2016, but fell apart over rights to the book.
Popular on Variety
Based on historical conflicts along the Texas-Mexico border in the 1850s, “Blood Meridian” follows the journey of the Kid, a fourteen-year-old from Tennessee, as he navigates the brutal and harrowing landscape of this new era.
Logan, a three-time Oscar nominee, is known as the writer behind films such as Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator,” Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator,” Tim Burton’s “Sweeney Todd” and Sam Mendes’ James Bond films “Skyfall” and “Spectre.” He earned a Tony award for his play “Red” in 2010.
“’Blood Meridian’ has been one of my favorite novels since first reading it in 1985. It’s a majestic, beautiful and uncompromising book and I’m thrilled to be able to help bring Cormac McCarthy’s dark masterpiece to the screen,” Logan said.
Most recently, Logan wrote the screenplay for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael.” Currently in production, the film stars Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo.
“‘Blood Meridian’ is one of the most revered novels in American literature, from one of the greatest writers,” New Regency chairman and CEO Yariv Milchan and president of motion pictures and television Natalie Lehmann said in a joint statement. “We knew we needed a very special talent to be able to adapt this seminal book and John Logan was our first choice. His prolific talent and remarkable track record consistently demonstrate his ability to transform cherished stories and texts into cinematic accomplishments.”
“After years of dreaming and scheming about adapting this great work into a movie, after years of discussing adaptation ideas with Cormac, we are excited to have the writer John Logan weigh in with his passion and understanding of Cormac’s sensibility, to help bring Blood Meridian the movie to fruition,” Hillcoat said.
New Regency’s upcoming film slate also includes “The Bikeriders,” “Blitz” and Alex Gibney’s untitled Elon Musk documentary.
Logan is represented by CAA. Hillcoat is represented by CAA, Anonymous Content and Black Bear.
