A bestselling book series that mashes up Wednesday and The Vampire Diaries is being developed for the big screen.
From 2009 to 2017, The CW aired the supernatural TV show The Vampire Diaries, which adapted L.J. Smith’s book series and centers on Nina Dobrev’s Elena Gilbert, a high school student who falls for vampire Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). Five years later, Netflix debuted Wednesday, with Jenna Ortega playing the titular character in the Addams Family franchise.
After the popularity of both of those shows, another supernatural story is being adapted for the screen. Deadline reports that David Films is turning P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast’s Young Adult fantasy romance series House of Night into a movie, with Johanna Watts on board as director (replacing Rain Li).
Resident Evil’s Victor Hadida and Return to Silent
Resident Evil‘s Victor Hadida and Return to Silent Hill‘s Molly Hassell are producing the project alongside co-author and executive producer P.C. Cast.
The crew also includes first assistant director Brett Hodgkinson, cinematographer Joshua R. Turner, production designer Clint Wallace, costume designer Mona May, and casting director Denise Chamian. Casting is underway, and filming is set to begin in early 2027.
Amid the announcement, P.C. Cast released a statement saying she is “thrilled” that Watts will bring her stories to life on the big screen. “Her vision brings a fresh take on the books’ beloved characters and story while staying true to my world,” the co-author added.
P.C. Cast: “I’m thrilled for Johanna to bring House of Night to the big screen. Her vision brings a fresh take on the books’ beloved characters and story while staying true to my world.”
Watts called it an honor to work within
Watts called it an “honor to work within the enthralling and provocative world of House of Night” and explained that P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast have created “such a richness” in their work, “from substantive characters to relatable themes of human connection and belonging.”
According to Hassell, Watts understands the mythology of House of Night and knows how to balance “all of the right elements” in her adaptation.
Johanna Watts: “It’s an honor to work within the enthralling and provocative world of House of Night. There’s such a richness to what P.C. and Kristin have created, from substantive characters to relatable themes of human connection and belonging. I feel a big responsibility to faithfully bring this story to screen for fans around the world.”
Molly Hassell: “Johanna dove head-first into the House of Night and has an impressive handle on its mythology and what makes the world so engaging. She understands how to balance all of the right elements to make a special, modern, and magical experience.”
Incorporating the vampire lore of The Vampire Diaries and the boarding school setting of Wednesday, House of Night tells the story of 16-year-old Zoey Redbird, who starts attending a supernatural boarding school after turning into a vampyre. On this new journey, she realizes how rare her specific powers are and discovers secrets while fending off outside threats.
After the first book was published in 2007,
After the first book was published in 2007, the authors wrote 11 sequels, including Betrayed, Chosen, Hunted, Awakened, Destinedand Redeemed; the four-book sequel series House of Night: Other World; and some novellas. House of Night has sold more than 31 million copies worldwide and has been a New York Times bestseller.
The Wednesday-meets-Vampire Diaries adaptation has been in the works for several years. Now that Watts is on board and a filming schedule is taking shape, the supernatural movie finally seems to be moving toward reality. Because it’s still early in the process, no release date for House of Nighthasbeen announced yet.
TV-14
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
MysteryComedySupernatural
Release Date
November 23, 2022
Network
Netflix
Showrunner
Miles Millar, Alfred Gough
Directors
Tim Burton, James Marshall
Writers
April Blair
Jenna Ortega
Wednesday Addams / Goody Addams
Emma Myers
Enid Sinclair
Wednesday follows the journey of Wednesday Addams
Wednesday follows the journey of Wednesday Addams as she attends Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts. Tasked with mastering her psychic abilities, she confronts a series of town murders and a haunting family mystery from 25 years ago, all while managing new social dynamics.
Franchise(s)
The Addams Family
Main Genre
Comedy
Creator(s)
Miles Millar, Alfred Gough
Executive Producer(s)
Alfred Gough, Gail Berman, Jonathan Glickman, Miles Millar, Andrew Mittman, Kevin Miserocchi, Steve Stark
Producers
Jenna Ortega, Carmen Pepelea
Seasons
2
Story By
Charles Addams
Streaming Service(s)
Netflix
