Major studios are competing for the distribution rights to the fantasy drama "The Midnight Library," starring Florence Pugh, at the Cannes Film Market [1].
The bidding war underscores the high commercial value of established literary properties paired with A-list talent. If a deal is reached, it is expected to be the largest transaction of the current market [1].
Directed by Garth Davis, the film is an adaptation of the novel by Matt Haig [1]. The story follows a woman who discovers a library between life and death, where each book allows her to experience a different version of her life based on different choices.
Industry sources said that Paramount Pictures, Focus Features, and Sony Pictures are among the primary contenders pursuing the project [1]. The interest stems from the film's anticipated strong audience appeal and its potential for significant box office returns [1].
While some reports focus generally on the massive studio interest, other industry data suggests the movie is being shopped as a deal valued at approximately $70 million [1]. This valuation reflects the competitive nature of the Cannes market, where high-profile projects often drive aggressive bidding among global distributors.
The project arrives at a time when fantasy dramas with strong emotional cores have seen a resurgence in theatrical popularity. The combination of Pugh's star power and Davis's directorial vision has made the film a primary target for studios looking to secure a prestige hit for their upcoming slate [1].
“The film is expected to be the largest deal out of the market.”
The intense competition for "The Midnight Library" signals a continued studio reliance on 'safe' bets—specifically, best-selling novels and bankable stars—to mitigate the risks of theatrical releases. A $70 million deal would validate the high market value of prestige fantasy cinema in the current distribution landscape.
