LOS ANGELES, October 17, 2026 — Paramount has secured the film rights to Pierce Brown’s *Red Rising* series and hired Francis Lawrence to direct the adaptation of the first novel, marking a major move in the studio’s 2027 sci-fi slate.
Lawrence’s Dystopian DNA
Francis Lawrence’s directorial debut was *Constantine* in 2005, followed by *I Am Legend* in 2007, a post-apocalyptic horror film starring Will Smith that showcased his ability to blend dystopian themes with visceral action according to S1. He went on to direct all five *Hunger Games* films from 2013 to 2020, establishing a signature style of high-stakes rebellion, class warfare, and mythic world-building—now poised to adapt *Red Rising*, a Mars-based dystopia with a color-coded caste system according to S1 and S2. *Red Rising* follows Darrow, a lowly Red miner on Mars who infiltrates the ruling Gold caste to overthrow the oppressive hierarchy, mirroring *Hunger Games*’ Katniss Everdeen’s underdog arc according to S2 and S3. Lawrence’s music-video background, directing hits for Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Shakira, informs his visual storytelling—dynamic framing, symbolic imagery, and high-energy pacing according to S1. His commercial work for brands like Coca-Cola and Calvin Klein demonstrates his ability to merge mass appeal with artistic precision, a skill critical for *Red Rising*’s broad audience according to S1.
The Hunger Games Blueprint
Lawrence’s *Hunger Games* films grossed over $3.1 billion worldwide, proving his knack for turning YA dystopias into global phenomena—now applied to *Red Rising*’s Mars rebellion according to S1. Justin Rhodes, who co-developed Netflix’s *Bioshock* adaptation with Lawrence, will write the script, ensuring a balance of sci-fi spectacle and character-driven stakes according to S2 and S3. Rhodes, a writer-producer with credits like *Terminator: Dark Fate* and the Prime Video series *Secret Level*, brings experience in high-concept storytelling to the project according to S2. Lawrence and Cameron MacConomy will produce for their about:blank banner alongside Francesco Goedhuis, with author Pierce Brown serving as executive producer according to S2 and S3. Lawrence’s recent work includes *The Long Walk* in 2025, a Stephen King adaptation for Lionsgate, and he’s attached to direct *Carry Me to My Grave* for the same studio according to S2. The adaptation’s tone may draw from Lawrence’s *I Am Legend* (isolated survival horror) and *Water for Elephants* (period drama with rebellion undertones), suggesting a mix of grit and myth according to S1.
Numbers Behind the Adaptation
The *Red Rising* book series has sold over 6 million copies as of 2024, with a seventh installment in development, making it a high-stakes adaptation for Lawrence’s directorial brand according to S3. Paramount’s *Red Rising* deal follows earlier attempts to adapt the series as a TV show by Universal in the late 2010s, now shifted to a high-budget film franchise according to S3. *Red Rising* joins Paramount’s 2027 sci-fi/fantasy lineup, including *Children of Blood and Bone* set for release on January 15, 2027, and *Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow* scheduled for November 12, 2027, positioning Lawrence’s adaptation as a franchise starter according to S2 and S3. Lawrence’s *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping* is set for release on November 20, 2027, and will be his final installment in the franchise, potentially clearing creative space for *Red Rising* according to S2. The *Red Rising* books blend Roman mythology with sci-fi, offering Lawrence rich material for visual metaphors—such as Mars as a new Rome and the Gold caste as imperial elites—according to S3. Six books have been published so far with a seventh on the way, and in 2024, Brown announced on Instagram that the *Red Rising* saga had sold over 6 million copies, although it’s unclear whether that was in the U.S. or globally according to S3. Brown, who also wrote a *Rising* comic book prequel story published by Dynamite Entertainment, will executive produce according to S3.
Lawrence’s Visual Storytelling and World-Building
Francis Lawrence’s background in music videos and commercials has honed his ability to create visually striking and symbolically rich narratives, a skill that will be crucial for bringing *Red Rising*’s intricate Mars society to life. His work on music videos for artists like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Shakira demonstrates his talent for dynamic framing and high-energy pacing, which can translate into the fast-paced, action-driven sequences of Darrow’s rebellion. Lawrence’s commercial work for brands like Coca-Cola and Calvin Klein further highlights his capacity to merge mass appeal with artistic precision, ensuring *Red Rising* resonates with both fans of the books and new audiences.
Moreover, Lawrence’s experience with world-building in *The Hunger Games* series positions him well to tackle *Red Rising*’s complex, color-coded caste system. His ability to create immersive, mythic worlds—evident in the dystopian landscapes of Panem—will be essential for portraying Mars as a new Rome, with the Gold caste as its imperial elite. This visual and thematic depth, combined with his knack for high-stakes storytelling, suggests Lawrence can elevate *Red Rising* beyond a typical sci-fi adaptation, crafting a visually and narratively compelling cinematic experience.
Adaptation And Production Team
Justin Rhodes, who will write the script for the *Red Rising* adaptation, brings experience from his work on *Terminator: Dark Fate* and the Prime Video series *Secret Level*, according to Deadline. Rhodes has also worked with Lawrence on developing Netflix’s *Bioshock* adaptation, ensuring a cohesive vision for the project. The production team, including Lawrence, Cameron MacConomy, and Francesco Goedhuis, will work alongside author Pierce Brown, who is executive producing, to bring the complex world of *Red Rising* to life.
Lawrence and his team are represented by prominent agencies, with Lawrence repped by CAA and Hansen Jacobson, and Rhodes by CAA, Adam Kolbrenner at Lit Entertainment, and Eric Suddleson at Toczek Suddleson, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. This experienced team will be crucial in navigating the challenges of adapting a beloved book series like *Red Rising* into a successful film franchise.
Sources
- Francis Lawrence
- Francis Lawrence To Direct 'Red Rising' Movie For Paramount
- Francis Lawrence, Paramount Team for ‘Red Rising’ Movie Adaptation (Exclusive)
Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America (CC BY-SA 2.0)
