Amazon Snags Rights to Rebecca Yarros' Heart-Wrenching Romance

Amazon MGM Studios has emerged victorious in a fierce bidding war to secure the film rights for Rebecca Yarros' emotional romance novel, The Last Letter. Major players like Netflix and Paramount also competed for the rights, highlighting the novel's growing appeal.

A Tale of Love, Loss, and Redemption

The novel, re-released this year, has quickly become a bestseller, captivating readers with its heartfelt narrative. It follows an Army veteran who honors a promise to his fallen comrade by caring for his sister and her two children in a picturesque Colorado town. The story is filled with intense emotions, including a heartbreaking secret, a child's battle with cancer, and the woman's struggle to trust the brooding yet loyal man who enters her life.

A Star-Studded Adaptation

Anna Klassen, a journalist turned screenwriter, is in final negotiations to adapt the novel for the screen. Brian Grazer and Jeb Brody of Imagine Entertainment are also in talks to produce the film. Yarros, who has gained fame with her Empyrean series, will serve as an executive producer through her newly formed company, Full Measures.

A Lucrative Deal

The deal is notable for its impressive financial terms, with an option in the $200,000 range and a potential purchase price of $2 million, along with substantial backend earnings. This is a significant achievement for a mid-budget adult drama, reflecting the growing demand for romantic dramas that evoke the emotional depth of classics like The Notebook and Dear John.

Yarros' Hollywood Success

This isn't Yarros' first foray into Hollywood. Her popular novel Fourth Wing is already in development as a television series at Amazon, with notable production companies like Michael B. Jordan's Outlier Society and Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy’s Kilter Films involved. Klassen, who has become a sought-after screenwriter in the romance genre, is also adapting Anna Todd's novel The Last Sunrise for Amazon, starring Maia Reficco and Eva Longoria.

Imagine Entertainment's Involvement

Imagine Entertainment, known for producing hits like After the Hunt and Eden, will oversee the project. Yarros and Klassen are represented by top-tier talent agencies, ensuring a high level of industry support for the project.