Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel “Anxious People” is set to be adapted into a feature film by “The Little Mermaid” screenwriter David Magee.
Fredrik Wikström Nicastro’s Hope Studios is producing the project.
“’Anxious People’ is a heartwarming and uplifting comedy about a group of strangers that get caught up in an unusual hostage situation on Thanksgiving,” reads the logline. “A story about compassion, connection, second chances, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined.”
The book, published by Atria Books/S&S, is a number one New York Times bestseller.
Magee and Nicastro previously collaborated on a screen adaptation of another Backman novel, “A Man Called Ove,” which was turned into the feature “A Man Called Otto” starring Tom Hanks.
Backman and Neda Backman will executive produce “Anxious People” alongside Magee.
“Fredrik Backman has a gift for deeply human stories that are poignant, intensely relatable, crowd-pleasing, and unexpectedly funny,” said Nicastro. “His work celebrates how we make meaning in our lives, how we combat loneliness and find connection – and I am thrilled to be launching the Hope Studios slate with ‘Anxious People.’ This project exemplifies the kind of work that Hope Studios was created to champion, and it’s a great privilege to be reuniting with the hugely talented David Magee on this companion piece to his phenomenal adaptation ‘A Man Called Otto.’”
Backman said: “Neda and I are extremely proud and happy that Fredrik Nicastro and David Magee wanted to do this. The production of A Man Called Otto was one of the great little adventures of our lives, so to have an opportunity to watch them interpret Anxious People will be a great, great joy.”
Magee added: “I am thrilled that Hope Studios is giving me the chance to return to the world of Fredrik Backman’s imagination and spend time with more of his unforgettable characters. Fredrik writes about people who aren’t quite like anyone you’ve ever met before – and yet somehow, he makes you feel as though you’ve known them your whole life.”
Hope Studios, which was recently launched by veteran producer Nicastro, has offices in Stockholm and London. The company has an overall deal with Black Bear International for sales and distribution.
Backman is repped by UTA.
