Feature Film Adaptation of Femi Fadugba's 'The Upper World' in the Works at Netflix
A film adaptation of Femi Fadugba’s debut YA fantasy The Upper World, which recently sold to Penguin UK in a 15-way auction for British Commonwealth rights, is currently in the works at Netflix, with Oscar nominee Daniel Kaluuya on board to star and produce. Eric Newman, who brought the book to Netflix, is producing alongside Screen Arcade partner Bryan Unkeless, through their first-look deal at Netflix, and Kaluuya.
Femi Fadugba is also serving as Executive Producer and says: “With Netflix bringing the film adaptation to audiences around the world, I’m excited about the impact the story can have. I’d love to one day see teachers putting the book on their summer reading lists. I’d love to help create a world where when people talk about the new Cardi B, Giggs or C.S song, they mention the ideas in The Upper World as part of the culture as well.”
Set in Peckham, London, the story follows Esso, who is caught in a deadly feud and on the verge of expulsion when he realizes he has an unexpected gift: access to a world where he can see glimpses of the past and the future. A generation away, Rhia is walking to football practice in 2035, unaware that the mysterious stranger she’s about to meet desperately needs her help to avert a bullet fired fifteen years ago.
The Upper World is the first book in a planned series, which is set to be released in the UK in 2021.
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