Gwyneth Paltrow Set to Star in Film Adaptation of ‘Strangers’ After Netflix Wins Book Rights in Competitive Bidding
In a competitive bidding process that attracted multiple offers, Netflix has secured the adaptation rights to Belle Burden’s No. 1 New York Times bestseller, Strangers. Gwyneth Paltrow is set to star in the film, while Stacey Sher will produce and Heidi Schreck will adapt the screenplay. Paltrow will also serve as an executive producer.
Published by Dial Press in January, Burden’s memoir is set against the backdrop of March 2020. The narrative follows Burden as she and her family enjoy the early days of the pandemic at their Martha’s Vineyard home, engaging in simple activities like building fires and preparing meals. However, the story takes a dramatic turn when her husband of 20 years unexpectedly announces his departure, transforming from a supportive partner into a stranger. In Strangers, Burden reflects on her marriage and seeks to understand the man her husband had become.
Through her exploration of the relationship, Burden confronts her family history and the societal expectations placed on women facing betrayal, ultimately leading to her own transformation.
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Paltrow’s recent work includes a role alongside Timothée Chalamet in Josh Safdie’s film Marty Supreme, which garnered nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and became A24’s highest-grossing film.
Heidi Schreck is recognized for her acclaimed play What the Constitution Means to Me, which had a successful Broadway run and earned nominations for prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Awards. The play toured nationally and was the most performed piece in America in 2023 and 2024, with a filmed adaptation directed by Marielle Heller premiering on Amazon Prime Video.
Burden, an attorney specializing in juvenile immigration cases, has contributed to The New York Times and resides in New York City with her three children.
Stacey Sher’s recent production credits include the A24 thriller Heretic, starring Hugh Grant, which received nominations from BAFTA, Critics Choice, and the Golden Globes. She is currently producing the Amazon MGM erotic thriller Verity, featuring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett.
Paltrow is represented by Lighthouse Management & Media, while Burden is represented by Brettne Bloom at The Book Group and UTA. Schreck’s representation includes Curate Management, UTA, and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin and Dunham, and Sher is represented by CAA.
