Jane Fonda to Lead Film Adaptation of THE CORRESPONDENT as Lionsgate Wins Bidding War
There’s a new literary adaptation on the way, and it’s bringing some serious talent with it. The Correspondent is officially heading to the big screen with Jane Fonda set to star, and the project has landed at Lionsgate after a competitive seven-studio bidding battle.
Fonda isn’t just starring, she’s also producing, continuing a career that already includes iconic projects like 9 to 5, Coming Home, The China Syndrome, On Golden Pond, The Dollmaker, and Grace and Frankie.
She’ll be joined on the producing side by Todd Lieberman, whose Hidden Pictures banner is coming off another successful adaptation with The Housemaid. The screenplay will be handled by Cat Vasko, who will also executive produce alongside the novel’s author, Virginia Evans.
At the center of the story is Sybil Van Antwerp, a character who feels tailor-made for Fonda. She’s described as “a sharp-witted, fiercely opinionated, retired lawyer who has long used letters to impose order on a complicated world — writing to friends, family, literary icons and one elusive recipient whose message she has never sent.”
That carefully structured life starts to unravel when “an unexpected letter from her past resurfaces,” forcing her to face “a long-buried chapter of grief, regret and unresolved guilt.”
The source material has already proven it connects with audiences. Evans’ debut novel, published by Crown, has sold over a million copies and spent 17 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list, making it a prime candidate for a Hollywood adaptation
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Erin Westerman shared the studio’s excitement about landing the project, saying: “We could not be more honored that Virginia, Jane and Cat have chosen us to be their studio partner on this project.
“This book spoke to so many people on our team who found Sybil’s story and character deeply moving, and we believe Jane, Virginia, and Cat responded to the genuine enthusiasm and personal touch that we bring.”
Westerman also highlighted the producing team’s track record: “And there’s no one better to shepherd the project than our friend Todd Lieberman at Hidden Pictures, who alongside his colleague Carly Elter, produced another successful book-to-screen adaptation in The Housemaid. This is a perfect team — we’re thrilled to have won the trust of all — and we can’t wait to get started.”
Lieberman echoed that enthusiasm, pointing to the emotional pull of the story, saying: “This book is a phenomenon. To be invited in alongside the legend Jane Fonda, with my Lionsgate partners and Cat, is a thrilling honor — and we all can’t wait to have moviegoers experience the same catharsis that so many book readers already have.”
Behind the scenes, Chelsea Kujawa and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee the project for Lionsgate, with Carly Kleinbart Elter and Aydan Cohen doing the same for Hidden Pictures.
The Correspondent has all the ingredients for a compelling adaptation. If the film captures even a fraction of what made the book resonate with readers, this could be a successful film.