Why Pierce Brown’s Beloved Red Rising Novel Is Finally Getting Adapted After 12 Years, Despite the Wrong Format Debate

A film adaptation advances

Paramount Pictures announced last month that it had purchased the film rights to Red Rising and assigned Justin Rhodes as writer and Francis Lawrence as director. The announcement came days after Paramount’s parent company completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, forming the company now known as Skydance.

The project follows at least two scrapped adaptation attempts over 12 years. Although the new deal has brought fresh momentum, some fans question whether a movie is the right format for the series.

Brown explains his approach

In comments on social media and Instagram, Brown said he was trying to give the story its best chance on the big screen. He also indicated that complex legal and rights issues shape which formats may be possible.

Brown said he had not set aside his own wishes in the deal and appeared to favor live action. He told fans, “If the film works, everything is on the table,” while explaining that animation could remain an option if a film fails. He also warned that if animation failed, the project could be over.

Brown suggested that moving from animation to live action could be difficult, particularly if an animated version did not make money. His remarks indicate that a live-action movie may be the current route most likely to preserve future possibilities.

Why fans favor animation

Red Rising takes place in a distant future where humanity has spread across the solar system. Its settings include planets, moons and spacecraft, with extensive terraforming and engineering.

The story also features characters flying, fighting with advanced weapons and performing dramatic stunts. A live-action version would rely heavily on special effects and computer-generated imagery, leading some fans to argue that animation could offer a more unified visual style.

The article notes that animation is often treated as a medium for children or niche projects. Its supporters argue that skilled artists and voice actors could bring science-fiction and fantasy stories to screen while relying less on enormous budgets.

Format debates keep growing

The case for series adaptations has gained traction as long fantasy and science-fiction stories have found space on television. The article points to Game of Thrones as part of a broader change in how Hollywood views adapting expansive novels.

Animation could be another format that gains acceptance, but it is not the approach planned for this Red Rising adaptation. No production start or theater release date has been announced. Six novels in the Red Rising saga are available in print, digital and audiobook formats.