EXCLUSIVE:20th has landed the rights to a feature adaptation of the New York Times bestselling novelCalifornia Bearfrom Duane Swierczynski.
Gary Lennon will write the feature alongiside Swierczynski withRyan Cooglers Proximity Media producing, sources tell Deadline.
California Bearis 20ths first project with Proximity.
Gary Lennon, ‘California Bear’ by Duane Swierczynski and Ryan CooglerMyles Aronowitz/Michael Buckner for Deadline
20ths Head of Literary Affairs, Clare Reeth was instrumental in bringing the book into the studio.
Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, Sev Ohanian produce through their company, Proximity Media.
Rebecca Cho will exec produce and oversee the project along with Hannah Levy for Proximity Media.
He was also executive producer of the mothership series for Starz which earned him two NAACP Image Awards.
Additionally, hes partnered with Lionsgate Television onP-ValleyandHightownfor Starz and the hit Netflix seriesOrange Is the New Black.
Lennon is represented by CAA, M88 and attorney Erik Hyman.
Along with James Patterson, he co-created the Audible OriginalThe Guiltyand co-wrote the private eye thrillerLion & Lamb.
Swierczynski is represented by Story Driven and McKuin, Frankel Whitehead.
Its set for a March 2025 IMAX release.
Additionally, the company is in post-production on MarvelsIronheartminiseries.
They are repped by WME and Jonathan Gardner, Esq.
