Eleventh Hour Films secures screen rights to Casey thriller

Eleventh Hour Films has secured the screen rights to Jane Casey’s "gripping" thriller The Killing Kind (HarperCollins). 

Filmmakers and screenwriters Zara Hayes and Jonathan Stewart will adapt the book for screen. They will co-write, with Hayes set to direct. Casey will serve as executive producer on the adaptation, alongside Jill Green, Eve Gutierrez and Paula Cuddy from Eleventh Hour Films.

The deal was brokered by Jennifer Thomas on behalf of Ariella Feiner at United Agents. Zara Hayes is represented by United Agents and WME, and Jonathan Stewart is represented by 42, Grandview and CAA. The screen rights were optioned from author Jane Casey, also represented by United Agents.

Cuddy, creative director at Eleventh Hour Films, said: “The Killing Kind is an exceptional thriller from the brilliant Jane Casey, which delivers the twists, turns and emotion to grip a global TV audience. Ingrid is a compelling protagonist, whose story is most timely as she navigates professional and personal ethics, her journey making us question ‘justice’ in every sense. We are delighted to be bringing this to screen and with the brilliant Zara Hayes and Jonathan Stewart on board we couldn’t be in better hands.”

Hayes added: “I’m always looking to tell stories with compelling and complex female characters front and centre. When I read The Killing Kind it felt like the perfect fit. Jane’s book is a gripping, twisty thriller, all told through the eyes of Ingrid - a richly layered, intelligent woman who is working out what success means on her own terms."

Stewart said: “Jane’s book is both a joyride of a mystery for viewers and a powerful character-driven investigation of the thin line between those you can trust the most and those so close they can dangerously deceive you."

Casey said she was "thrilled" to be working with the team to bring The Killing Kind to TV.