Oscar-nominated filmmaker Duke Johnson is set to direct and produce a feature adaptation of George Saunders' critically acclaimed novel, 'Lincoln in the Bardo'. The project, acquired by Starburns Industries, will bring Saunders' New York Times best-selling and 2017 Booker Prize-winning work to the big screen. Saunders will also adapt the screenplay and serve as an executive producer. The film will employ a unique blend of live-action and stop-motion animation to depict one of the most intimate moments in Abraham Lincoln's life, focusing on his relationship with his deceased 11-year-old son. This approach promises to create a visually stunning and emotionally powerful experience. The story, a masterful fusion of history and imagination, will be brought to life through a diverse cast of characters, both living and dead, historical and fictional, exploring themes of love, empathy, and the human capacity to connect in the face of grief. Johnson's previous work, the Oscar-nominated animated feature 'Anomalisa', directed alongside Charlie Kaufman, showcases his talent for crafting visually and narratively rich films. Additionally, his live-action psychological thriller, 'The Actor', further demonstrates his versatility. Saunders, a renowned author, has written 13 novels, with his latest, 'Vigil', debuting at the top of the New York Times bestseller list. His short story collection, 'Tenth of December', was a National Book Award finalist and has received numerous accolades, including the Folio Prize and the Story Prize. Saunders' impact on literature is further solidified by his inclusion in The New York Times' list of 'The 100 Best Books of the 21st Century'. This collaboration between Johnson and Saunders promises to bring a unique and captivating adaptation to the screen, leaving audiences eager to witness the story's transformation into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
