A film adaptation of ND Stevenson's "Scarlet Morning" is in development at Amazon MGM Studios, with Kate Herron attached to direct, according to exclusive reporting. Roy Lee is also on board the project, which remains in its earliest stages and has no cast, release date or production timeline set.
The pairing of Stevenson's source material with Herron and Lee signals an ambitious swing for Amazon MGM, which has been steadily assembling a slate of literary and graphic-novel adaptations aimed at both theatrical and streaming audiences. Details about how the film will be adapted from Stevenson's work remain under wraps.
Stevenson is best known for "Nimona," a graphic novel that became an Oscar-nominated animated feature after a long and much-publicized journey to the screen. That project's success underscored Stevenson's appeal as a storyteller whose work crosses over between younger readers and adult audiences without condescension. "Scarlet Morning" now joins a growing list of Stevenson properties being eyed for adaptation.
A Director With a Distinctive Voice
Herron brings a background that stretches across television, film and theater. She directed the first season of Marvel's "Loki" for Disney+, a series that earned widespread praise for its visual ambition and character work, and she has been attached to a number of high-profile features in recent years. Her involvement suggests Amazon MGM is looking for a filmmaker who can balance spectacle with intimacy, a combination that has become her signature.
For Herron, "Scarlet Morning" represents another step into large-scale genre storytelling, territory she has navigated successfully in serialized form. A feature adaptation offers a different set of creative challenges, particularly when the source material carries an established and passionate readership.
Lee's Track Record in Adaptation
Lee is among the most prolific producers working in Hollywood, with a filmography heavy on horror and genre fare. His credits include the "It" films and a long list of productions that have translated source material into mainstream hits. His involvement with "Scarlet Morning" points to an emphasis on commercial viability alongside creative ambition.
The combination of Lee's production experience and Herron's directorial sensibility gives the project a clear identity even at this early stage, though studios routinely attach talent to projects that take years to reach the screen.
What the Announcement Does and Doesn't Reveal
The news confirms only that the project is in the works. No casting decisions have been announced, and there is no indication of when production might begin or how the studio intends to release the film. Amazon MGM has not commented publicly beyond the initial report, and representatives for the parties involved have not offered additional details.
That restraint is typical for announcements at this phase. Development deals often precede a lengthy period of script work, budget negotiation and scheduling, any of which can reshape a project before cameras roll. Readers should treat the attachment of Herron and Lee as a statement of intent rather than a guarantee of a finished film on a set timetable.
What the announcement does signal is continued appetite for Stevenson's work in Hollywood. "Nimona" demonstrated that his stories can find a wide audience when handled with care, and studios have since shown interest in mining his catalog for further features. "Scarlet Morning" is the latest example of that trend.
For Amazon MGM, the project fits a strategy of building a diverse slate that mixes original films, adaptations and franchise-adjacent titles. The studio has been aggressive in acquiring material with built-in audiences, and Stevenson's name carries weight among readers and viewers who followed the "Nimona" saga.
For Herron, the film is a chance to apply lessons from episodic television to a self-contained narrative. Her work on "Loki" demonstrated an ability to manage complex world-building, and a feature adaptation would allow for a more focused story.
For Lee, the project adds another title to a busy production slate, though his involvement is no guarantee of a quick turnaround.
The Road Ahead
As with any development project, the path from announcement to release is uncertain. Scripts get rewritten, schedules shift and talent sometimes departs. What is clear is that Amazon MGM sees potential in "Scarlet Morning" and has assembled a director and producer with the credentials to make it work.
Fans of Stevenson's work will be watching closely for casting news and a production start, neither of which has been announced. For now, the project exists as a promising pairing of source material and talent, with the hard work of actually making the film still ahead.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter