20th Century Studios has acquired the film rights to the novella “Persona” by Marc Guggenheim following a competitive bidding process.
The acquisition signals a strategic move by the studio to capitalize on the commercial potential of the erotic-thriller genre. By securing a high-profile literary property through a heated auction, the studio aims to develop a feature film that attracts a broad adult audience.
Reports indicate the deal for the rights to the novella reached a seven-figure sum [1]. The competitive nature of the auction highlights the current industry demand for provocative, character-driven narratives that can be translated into cinematic experiences.
Paul Feig is attached to direct the project. Feig, known for his work across multiple genres, will lead the transition of Guggenheim's written work to the screen. The studio has not yet released a production timeline or casting details for the film.
Marc Guggenheim authored the original novella, which serves as the foundation for the upcoming production. The collaboration between Guggenheim's narrative and Feig's direction is expected to shape the tone of the adaptation as the studio moves into the development phase.
“20th Century Studios won a heated auction for the novella “Persona””
The seven-figure investment in 'Persona' reflects a broader Hollywood trend of acquiring established intellectual property to mitigate risk in a volatile theatrical market. By pairing an erotic-thriller with a director like Paul Feig, 20th Century Studios is attempting to blend provocative source material with a filmmaker capable of achieving wide commercial appeal.
