Netflix star Millie Bobby Brown plans to adapt her debut novel “Nineteen Steps” into a feature film for the streaming service. Brown, known for starring in “Stranger Things,” wrote the historical fiction novel with author Kathleen McGurl. The story focuses on an 18-year-old woman named Nellie living in London during World War 2. Brown drew inspiration from her grandmother’s own experiences during the war.
Brown will produce the film through her own production company PCMA Productions. She is also in talks to take on the lead role of Nellie. Anthony McCarten, the screenwriter behind movies like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Darkest Hour,” will adapt the novel for the screen. McCarten is known for his work crafting drama films that receive major awards attention.
The adaptation will tell the story of Nellie’s romance with an American airman named Ray. It will also depict the tragic Bethnal Green Tube disaster, a real-life bombing during an air raid that killed over 170 civilians. This personal connection could provide Brown an impactful dramatic role showcasing her acting range.
Jonathan Eirich of the production company Rideback will produce alongside Brown. Rideback was founded by Netflix’s new film head Dan Lin. Nick Reynolds will serve as executive producer on the project. Their involvement demonstrates Brown’s growing influence in Hollywood at just 20 years old.
As an Emmy nominee for “Stranger Things,” and the star and producer of hit Netflix movies like “Enola Holmes,” Brown has already accomplished much in her career. The “Nineteen Steps” adaptation marks both her debut as a published author and growing work behind the camera.
Industry observers will watch for casting news and production updates on the film. Brown’s career transition from child star to adult actress and producer is well underway between projects like this and her upcoming role in the Russo brothers’ sci-fi movie “The Electric State.” The “Nineteen Steps” adaptation could highlight Brown’s talents both onscreen and off in this personal passion project.
For Netflix, partnering with established talents like Brown on creative projects appeals to subscribers and potentially opens up new avenues for novel adaptations going forward. The success of adapting Brown’s debut work could pave the way for more stories from young authors to find their way to screens in the streaming era.
