'The Midnight Library' adaptation starring Florence Pugh lands at Paramount in $36m deal

Paramount has secured distribution rights to The Midnight Library, the upcoming film adaptation of Matt Haig’s bestselling novel, in a reported $36 million deal.

The project, which will star Florence Pugh and be directed by Garth Davis, attracted interest from multiple studios during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

Paramount reportedly beat Focus Features and Sony in the competition for the North American distribution rights.

According to a source with direct knowledge cited by TheWrap, Studiocanal will distribute the film in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Benelux, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Paramount will handle distribution in the rest of the world.

Worldwide sales for the project began during Cannes, where reports first emerged of a bidding war surrounding the adaptation.

Earlier this month, Studiocanal and Blueprint Pictures confirmed the involvement of both Davis and Pugh.

“I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Florence Pugh on ‘The Midnight Library,’” Davis said in a statement released earlier this month.

“Her warmth and talent are magical, and together I know we’ll do something special working with Matt’s iconic novel.”

He added, “This is a story that moves us both — a celebration of life in all its possibility and complexity. With Graham Broadbent, Blueprint Pictures and Studiocanal behind us, I can’t wait to illuminate this adventure.”

Matt Haig also commented on the adaptation following the announcement of the casting and directing team.

“I am so happy that Nora’s story is in such great hands, and that her myriad possibilities will be vividly reawakened by the absolute perfect team,” Haig said. “And I can’t wait for people to see my book reimagined for the big screen.”

The Midnight Library follows Nora Seed, who finds herself in a magical library between life and death where she explores alternative versions of her life.

The film is scheduled to begin pre-production later this autumn.