Kate Herron is attached to direct a feature adaptation of ND Stevenson's "Scarlet Morning," which is being set up at Amazon MGM Studios, with Roy Lee producing, according to an exclusive report. The project remains in early development, and no cast, release window or production timeline has been confirmed. The pairing brings together one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary animation and comics with a filmmaker known for bold, style-driven genre work, and it lands at a studio that has been steadily building a slate of creator-driven genre projects.
Stevenson first gained wide attention with the graphic novel "Nimona," a story about a shapeshifter and a disgraced knight that began as a webcomic and became a celebrated book. The property later reached screens as an animated feature, cementing Stevenson's reputation for stories that blend irreverent humor with genuine emotional stakes. Stevenson's other work, including the acclaimed graphic novel "The Firelight Apprentice," has reinforced that reputation. Stevenson's projects tend to center outsiders, complicated friendships and young characters wrestling with identity, and they move easily between warmth and melancholy. That sensibility is likely to shape how "Scarlet Morning" is approached as a film, though the studio has not disclosed how closely the adaptation will follow the source material.
Herron is best known for directing the first season of Marvel's "Loki," which established her as a filmmaker comfortable with ambitious world-building, witty dialogue and emotionally grounded character work. She also directed the 2016 short "Connecting" and has worked extensively in British television, and her feature work includes the upcoming video game adaptation "The Sims," which she is directing. Herron's background suggests a filmmaker who can balance spectacle with intimacy, a combination that fits a Stevenson adaptation well. She has spoken in the past about her love of genre storytelling and about the importance of character-first approaches to big-idea material, and those instincts are likely to be tested by whatever "Scarlet Morning" demands.
Lee is one of the most prolific producers in Hollywood, with a filmography that spans horror, animation and franchise filmmaking. His credits include the "It" films, "The Lego Movie" and a long list of genre titles, and he has become a reliable partner for studios looking to launch new properties with strong creative hooks. Lee's involvement signals that Amazon MGM sees "Scarlet Morning" as more than a niche adaptation, even at this early stage. His production company, Vertigo Entertainment, has a track record of shepherding projects from development to release, and his participation gives the film a producer with deep experience in launching new properties.
The adaptation also reflects a broader trend in Hollywood: studios are increasingly turning to graphic novels and comics for material, drawn by built-in audiences and visually distinctive worlds. Amazon MGM has been active in this space, and the studio's interest in Stevenson's work fits a strategy of backing creator-driven projects with strong artistic identities. The deal was first reported by an industry outlet, which described the project as being in the works, and representatives for the studio did not provide further details. As with most early-stage projects, the film could change shape significantly before cameras roll, and there is no guarantee it will move forward on any particular timeline.
For Stevenson's fans, the news is likely to be met with cautious excitement. Adaptations of beloved comics can be tricky, particularly when the source material has a devoted following and a very specific tone. The involvement of Herron and Lee offers some reassurance, since both have demonstrated an ability to honor source material while making it work for the screen. How faithfully the film will follow the book, and whether Stevenson will be involved in the adaptation, has not been disclosed. Stevenson has worked in animation and television as well as comics, and has been open about the challenges of adapting personal work, though no statement on this project has been made public.
At this stage, the wisest approach is to treat the announcement as a sign of intent rather than a finished product. Development can take years, and many announced projects never reach production. Still, the combination of a singular author, a director with a clear visual voice and a producer with a strong track record is enough to make "Scarlet Morning" a title worth watching. Hollywood Buzz News will continue to follow the project as more details emerge.
Source: Hollywood Reporter