The Mediapro Studio has secured film rights to The Museum of Cursed Artifacts, the upcoming debut novel by The Pope’s Exorcist and Beauty and the Beast (2017) screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos, Variety reports.
Described as an action-packed blend of suspense, adventure and supernatural twists, the story begins with a famed entrepreneur completing his collection of cursed artifacts. He then takes his life in a shocking manner.
His family, gutted that he blew all his money but still hoping to turn a profit with this macabre museum, assemble leading experts to verify the items’ authenticity. All hell literally breaks loose.
Spiliotopoulos — whose writing credits also include Hercules (2014), The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Charlies Angels (2019), Snake Eyes, and The Unholy — is attached to pen the script.
Auctions were held for the book and film rights, with both selling within days of each other in competitive situations. The novel is part of a two-book deal with Emily Bestler Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster division Atria Publishing Group.
“You never know if your weirdest ideas will ever see the light of day,” said Spiliotopoulos. “I’m grateful to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and The Mediapro Studio for not only seeing the light — but running straight into the darkness with me.”
“This is one of the most original and scary novels I have ever read,” added Bestler.
“Securing the film rights to this remarkable novel is a testament to the immense talent behind it and the strong belief we have in its potential,” said Mediapro Studio head J.C. Acosta. “We are excited to collaborate on a project that is sure to captivate audiences, and we are proud to have it as part of our film slate.”
Russell Crowe in ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’