Francis Lawrence Set to Direct New Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me To My Grave’ Adapted from Christopher Golden’s Upcoming Novel for Lionsgate
Lionsgate Secures Rights to Christopher Golden’s Latest Novel "Carry Me to My Grave"
In a strategic move, Lionsgate has acquired the film rights to "Carry Me to My Grave," an upcoming novel by New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden. The adaptation will be developed by acclaimed director Francis Lawrence, who is looking to both direct and produce the project under his first-look deal with the studio.
Alongside Lawrence, producer Cameron Maconomy will contribute to the project, joined by Scott Glassgold and his production company, 12:01 Films. Golden will serve as an executive producer, with Pete Donaldson also on board. Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Pavan Kalidindi will supervise the project, while Phil Strina negotiated the agreements for the studio.
Slated for release on July 21 through St. Martin’s Press, "Carry Me to My Grave" is a supernatural thriller that follows a man who is determined to protect his deceased mother’s body from malevolent forces.
Lawrence’s extensive background in successful genre adaptations, including films like "I Am Legend," "The Long Walk," and the "Hunger Games" franchise, positions him well for this narrative. He recently directed "The Long Walk," an adaptation of a Stephen King novel, which Lionsgate released in theaters last fall. Also upcoming is "Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping," set to release on November 20, marking the continuation of Suzanne Collins’ original trilogy.
For Golden, "Carry Me to My Grave" adds to his list of adaptations, following the recent announcements of "Road of Bones" and "The House of Last Resort." "Road of Bones" is currently in production with Sony, featuring Scott Derrickson as director, while Golden is adapting "The House of Last Resort" for Amazon and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society.
Known for co-writing the "Hellboy" films, Golden has received accolades such as the Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Awards for his work in fiction. He is represented by Verve and Donaldson.
The sale of "Carry Me to My Grave" follows a productive start to 2026 for Glassgold and 12:01 Films, having previously sold the short story "Grand Rising" to Searchlight, with Lena Waithe adapting and Steve Caple Jr. directing. Additionally, they have sold the spec "Kill Switch" to Netflix with Jake Gyllenhaal attached to star.
Looking ahead, Glassgold is set to begin production on an adaptation of Drew Hancock’s bestselling novel "My Wife and I Bought a Ranch" for Amazon MGM Studios, further establishing his presence in the industry. He is also represented by Verve and McKuin Frankel Whitehead.
