Lionsgate Secures Seven-Studio Deal for ‘The Correspondent’ Starring Jane Fonda, Based on Virginia Evans’ Novel and Adapted by Cat Vasko with Todd Lieberman’s Hidden Pictures Producing

Lionsgate Wins Bidding War for Film Adaptation of ‘The Correspondent’

Lionsgate has emerged victorious in a competitive seven-studio bidding war for the film adaptation of The Correspondent, based on Virginia Evans’ bestselling novel. The project will feature acclaimed actress Jane Fonda, who will also serve as a producer alongside Todd Lieberman of Hidden Pictures.

Published by Crown in April, The Correspondent has spent 19 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list and has sold over a million copies. The narrative revolves around Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired lawyer known for her sharp wit and outspoken nature. Sybil uses letters as a means of navigating her complex world, only to face unresolved feelings when a letter from her past resurfaces, forcing her to confront grief and regret.

Cat Vasko is set to write the screenplay and will executive produce alongside Evans. Chelsea Kujawa and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee the project for Lionsgate, while Lieberman, along with his colleague Carly Kleinbart Elter, will represent Hidden Pictures. Dan Freedman negotiated the deal for the studio.

In a statement, Erin Westerman, President of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, expressed gratitude for being selected as a partner on this project. She remarked, “This book spoke to so many people on our team who found Sybil’s story and character deeply moving. There’s no better team to shepherd the project than Todd Lieberman at Hidden Pictures, who produced another successful adaptation in The Housemaid. We’re thrilled to have won their trust.”

Lieberman echoed this sentiment, stating, “This book is a phenomenon. To be invited in alongside the legend Jane Fonda, with my Lionsgate partners and Cat, is a thrilling honor. We can’t wait for moviegoers to experience the same catharsis that readers have.”

Fonda, a two-time Oscar winner, is known for her recent roles in 80 for Brady, Book Club: The Next Chapter, and the animated film Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken. As a producer, her credits include classics such as 9 to 5 and the series Grace and Frankie.

Vasko, a former consulting producer on Marvel’s Secret Invasion, has several upcoming projects, including adaptations of Zero Stars: Do Not Recommend and her original screenplay Canon, set up at Amazon.

Lieberman’s Hidden Pictures has seen recent success with The Housemaid, which has grossed over $395 million worldwide since its release and has a sequel in the works. The production team is also involved in series adaptations, including a second season of Robin Hood for MGM+ and the film Voltron.

Virginia Evans is represented by Untitled, Hilary McMahon at Westwood Creative Artists, and Logan Clare at Ziffren Brittenham.