Ava DuVernay is Making a Netflix Series Based on the Wings of Fire Series
Ava DuVernay, director of Wrinkle in Time and When They See Us, is now executive producing a 10-episode Netflix series based on the Wings of Fire fantasy kids books. “Within this epic book series from the mind of Tui Sutherland is an elegant saga filled with wisdom and wonder, exploring ideas of belonging and bias, camaraderie and community,” DuVernay said in a statement. Dan Milano and Christa Starr are adapting the books for Netflix and will serve as showrunners alongside Justin Ridge.
Thomasin McKenzie and Sian Clifford to Star in Adaptation of Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
The BBC has announced its cast for the four-part adaptation of Kate Atkinson’s best-selling and award-winning Life After Life. Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) and Sian Clifford (Fleabag) will star. Additionally, the cast will include James McArdle (Man in an Orange Shirt), Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey), Jessica Hynes (Years and Years), Patsy Ferran (Black Narcissus), Harry Michell (Yesterday), Laurie Kynaston (The Trouble with Maggie Cole) Joshua Hill (Small Axe), and Maria Laird (Derry Girls). McKenzie, who will play Ursula Todd, a character who dies several times throughout her life only to be born over and over again, said in a statement, “I’m drawn to Life After Life because it makes me laugh, cry, clench my fists in anger or whoop with empowerment. Bash has done a stunning job at adapting Kate Atkinson’s masterpiece, and working with John has already taught me a great deal – reinforcing my love for collaborating and creating.”
LeVar Burton is Your New Jeopardy Guest Host
Actor LeVar Burton has been a long-time fan favorite in the literary community for hosting the iconic children’s show Reading Rainbow and the podcast LeVar Burton Reads. In fact, fans love Burton so much that in November, Change.org petition was started to advocate for the actor as the next host of Jeopardy. And now, LeVar Burton was just named as one of the new guests hosts of the popular game show. Ask and you shall receive!
Authors Respond to Texas District Book Ban
Authors including Carmen Maria Machado and Margaret Atwood respond to the banning of their books by the Leander Independent School District in Texas.