Nineteen Steps is part of a genre of novels that’s, alas, slowly fading out. Which is kind of funny, because in most respects, this book is basically a war romance story. A story that’s actually based on the life experiences of Millie Bobby Brown’s own grandmother to boot. Which also explains the setting: WWII Britain during the Blitz. Not only that, but this particular WWII story centers around a little-known disaster in Britain at the time. Specifically: the Bethnal Green tube station disaster, where 173 people died in a crush during an air raid. As you might be able to guess, this will add quite a bit of harrowing history to this WWII story.
Sadly, as fascinating as Nineteen Steps is as a novel, it seems to be in part overshadowed by the author herself. You might recall the name Millie Bobby Brown if you’re a fan of Netflix‘s Stranger Things. You know, since she was a star of that show for playing Eleven? Still though, that fame did at least grant her one thing. That would be the ability to get her debut novel made into a film. Thus resulting us finally getting another WWII film. Don’t believe me? Then let’s find out more about that upcoming film adaptation together, shall we?
Nineteen Steps Film Adaptation: Details
Deadline has recently revealed that Millie Bobby Brown is developing her Nineteen Steps novel into a feature-length film of the same name. All for Netflix to boot. Alas, Netflix themselves decline to say anything about this upcoming film. However, we do know a few things about it from Deadline.
Millie Bobby Brown will produce this Nineteen Steps novel under her PCMA banner, and is looking to star in her own film. New Zealand writer and filmmaker Anthony McCarten (The Theory of Everything) will write the screenplay. Jonathan Eirich will produce for Rideback, with Nick Reynolds as the executive producer for the company. We also have the synopsis for the novel itself, courtesy of Amazon. You can check out that synopsis below:
It’s 1942, and air raid sirens continue to wail around London. Eighteen-year-old Nellie Morris counts every day lucky that she emerges from the underground shelters unharmed, her loving family still surrounding her.
After a chance encounter with Ray, an American airman stationed nearby, she becomes enchanted with the idea of a broader world. Just as she begins to embrace an exciting new life with Ray, a terrible incident occurs during an air raid one evening, tearing her world apart. But when it seems all hope is lost, Nellie finds that, against all odds, love and happiness can triumph.
Nineteen Steps is a deeply affecting, mesmerizing page-turner inspired by the author’s family history. An epic story of longing, loss, and secrets, Millie Bobby Brown’s propulsive debut introduces an unforgettable, brave young woman and boldly portrays the strength in the power of love.
Tune back in to THS to find out more about this Nineteen Steps film when we do.
Source: Deadline