Classic YA Survival Novel Officially Getting a Netflix Film Adaptation
Netflix is bringing Gary Paulsen’s 1987 survival novel Hatchet to film, introducing a new generation to the story that has long served as a formative—and often traumatizing—reading experience for young audiences. The adaptation will be written and directed by Derek Cianfrance, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Blue Valentine, The Place Beyond the Pines, and Roofman, with Andrew Mittman producing.
The novel follows Brian, a young protagonist stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash, where he must rely on his wits and ingenuity to survive. The book is known for its unflinching portrayal of survival, including a memorable and disturbing scene involving a partially consumed corpse. Cianfrance’s involvement signals Netflix’s commitment to treating the material with artistic credibility rather than as a straightforward YA adaptation.