Spec Script Deal: “Wraith”

Netflix acquires cyber-thriller spec script “Wraith” written by Matt Lopez. Via Deadline:

Based on the self-published novel by Matthew Mather, the novel follows resident of New York City, who is trying to keep his family together when he is thrust into new problems of staying alive. Unknown how similar in story Lopez’s spec will be.

It is unusual for a writer to adapt a novel as a spec script, but it does happen. One of the most notable examples: The seven-figure deal in 2010 for the adaptation of the Japanese novel “All You Need Is Kill.” That eventually became the movie Edge of Tomorrow. You can read my analysis of the movie, one of the best science fiction films in years, here.

Lopez is repped by Lit Entertainment Group.

By my count, there have been 18 spec script deals in 2020.

There were 26 spec script deals year-to-date in 2019.