It looks like the Black Lives Matter movement will soon be represented on the big screen. Yesterday (March 23) The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Fox 2000 beat out several competing studios for the film rights to “The Hate U Give,” a YA novel inspired by the movement to affirm the humanity of Black people. Actress and activist Amandla Stenberg (“Hunger Games”) is already attached to star. George Tillman Jr. (“The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete,” “Soul Food”) will direct.
First time author Angela Thomas touched off an auction between 13 publishing houses after tweeting a literary agent about her work. HarperCollins’ Balzer + Bray imprint paid six figures for the title last month, according to Publishers Weekly. The book—which takes its name from Tupac Shakur’s T.H.U.G. tattoo—follows Starr, a Black 16-year-old who sees a police officer shoot her unarmed best friend.
If her Twitter feed is any indication, Thomas is excited about the movie.
Guys, I’m in tears. This is a dream come true. And I have an AMAZING team who is going to make this happen. I’m forever grateful.
— A.C. Thomas (@acthomaswrites) March 23, 2016
The best part of all of this? Kids in my neighborhood and kids who look like me will know that their dreams CAN come true. I’m crying, man.
— A.C. Thomas (@acthomaswrites) March 23, 2016
Okay, I’ve stopped crying enough to Tweet. Guys, George Tillman. This movie is in wonderful hands. He GETS it. I got chills during our call.
— A.C. Thomas (@acthomaswrites) March 23, 2016
And of course @amandlastenberg. I’m thrilled beyond words that such a talented & intelligent person will be bringing Starr to life on screen
— A.C. Thomas (@acthomaswrites) March 23, 2016
No word yet on when you’ll be able to read the book or watch the movie.