Scholastic Entertainment, the media division of Scholastic, has joined forces with Josephson Entertainment and Weed Road Pictures to co-develop and co-produce a new live-action feature film based on the Scholastic YA book “Caster.”

Paramount Pictures has optioned the film rights, zeroing-in on the magic-themed fantasy title —now a two-book series— as its next big YA franchise. The series is written by author Elsie Chapman and published by Scholastic Press in 2019.

“With its captivating storyline and strong and resourceful lead female character, ‘Caster’ is sure to win over audiences, just as it has amassed a large and loyal fanbase of readers,” says Barry Josephson, producer, Josephson Entertainment. “We’re so pleased to be working with Scholastic Entertainment and Weed Road on this ‘magical’ adventure.” 

Screenwriter, director and producer Akiva Goldsman of Weed Road Pictures and Greg Lessans are producing the film with Scholastic Entertainment president Iole Lucchese and senior vice president and general manager Caitlin Friedman. For Josephson Entertainment, its principal, Barry Josephson and company head, D. Matt Geller will oversee the adaptation for their banner.

“’Caster’ is an absolutely thrilling story with twists and turns that keep readers riveted and holding their breath to see what happens next,” says Lucchese. “We are very excited to be working with Josephson Entertainment and Akiva and his team at Weed Road Pictures to bring this exhilarating story to life on screen.”