Netflix and Derek Cianfrance to Adapt Gary Paulsen's 'Hatchet'

Netflix is developing a feature adaptation of "Hatchet," Gary Paulsen's 1987 young adult survival novel that won the Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature.

Derek Cianfrance, best known for "Blue Valentine" (2010) and "The Place Beyond the Pines" (2012), will write and direct the film. Andrew Mittman, whose company 1.21 is behind Netflix's "Wednesday," serves as a producer. Kai Dolbashian executive produces via 1.21.

What is 'Hatchet' about?

Per the official description, "Hatchet" follows "13-year-old Brian Robeson, who is stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash with nothing but the hatchet his mother gave him."

Paulsen later expanded the story into a five-book series:

• "Hatchet" (1987)
• "The River" (1991)
• "Brian's Winter" (1996)
• "Brian's Return" (1999)
• "Brian's Hunt" (2003)

The novel remains widely beloved today, nearly four decades after publication.

Who controls the rights?

The film is produced in partnership with Paulsen's estate, which kept the IP off the market for years before selecting Cianfrance to lead the project. The estate is represented by Jennifer Flannery and Sandy Weinberg, who serve as executive producers alongside Ruth Wright Paulsen and James Wright Paulsen.

The only previous adaptation of "Hatchet" was the 1990 TV movie "A Cry in the Wild." The Netflix feature will be the book's first big-screen treatment.

Why is Netflix investing in survival stories?

Mittman brought the project to Netflix as the streamer invests further in survival thrillers. Earlier this year, the genre films "Apex" and "Thrash" each debuted with more than 36 million views on the platform.

Cianfrance is represented by CAA and attorney Michael Schenkan at Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP. No release date or casting has been announced.