EXCLUSIVE: Amazon MGM Studios is developing a film adaptation of the K.L. Walther novel The Summer of Broken Rules from Sophia Stallone‘s newly launched Common Era Projects and Sylvester Stallone‘s Balboa Productions.
Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin, a screenwriting team with credits like Disney’s 2020 take on Mulan and Netflix’s animated feature Spellbound, will adapt the script. Sophia Stallone will produce for Common Era, alongside Sylvester Stallone and D. Matt Geller for Balboa.
A #1 New York Times and USA Today bestseller published in 2021, Walther’s novel is a YA romance centered on Meredith Fox, who lost her sister, Claire, 18 months ago and shut everyone out. But this summer, she’s determined to join the world again.
The annual family vacation to Martha’s Vineyard seems like the perfect place to reconnect. Her entire extended family is gathering for a big summer wedding, and although Meredith is dateless after being unexpectedly dumped, she’s excited to participate in the traditional Fox family game of assassin that will take place during the week of wedding festivities. Claire always loved the game, and Meredith is determined to honor her legacy. But when Meredith forms an assassin alliance with a cute groomsman, she finds herself getting distracted. Meredith tries to focus on the game and win it for her sister, but she can’t help falling for him. And as the week progresses, she realizes she’s not only at risk of losing the game, but also her heart.
Sourcebooks Fire published the book in May 2021. So far, it’s sold into 19 territories.
Author Walther told us, “It felt like kismet when Sophia and I connected; within ten seconds of speaking with her, it was clear she truly understands the heart of Meredith’s story and I’m beyond excited and thrilled to see how the team brings it to life!”
Most recently, Sophia Stallone announced development on the MGM Television series Bourbon & Lies, based on the bestselling books by Victoria Wilder. She’s producing that project via Callisto Media alongside Balboa, which re-upped its first-look film & TV deal with Amazon MGM at top of year.
Hailing from Pennsylvania, Walther is also known for titles like While We’re Young and We’re a Bad Idea, Right?.
Balboa Productions, Sophia Stallone and Hynek & Martin are represented by Independent Artist Group, Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo, and Mike De Trana of Anvil Entertainment. Walther is repped by IAG and Eva Scalzo at Speilburg Literary Agency.