Sony’s 3000 Pictures has announced that Justin Kuritzkes will be adapting City on Fire, the first novel in Don Winslow’s bestselling trilogy. The project is set to be a star vehicle for actor Austin Butler, with Kuritzkes, who recently worked on the film Challengers, on board to write the screenplay. The novel trilogy, which is a modern retelling of classic Greek tragedies set in the world of contemporary crime, has been well-received by readers and critics alike.
The adaptation of City on Fire was acquired by Sony’s 3000 Pictures in a mid-7 figure deal before the publication of the first installment in 2021. The trilogy, which includes City of Dreams and the forthcoming City in Ruins, is seen as Winslow’s swan song in the literary world. The story centers around a conflict between two criminal empires in New England, with the protagonist, Danny Ryan, forced to navigate a dangerous world filled with Mafia bosses, corrupt cops, and federal agents.
Austin Butler has been tapped to play the lead role of Danny Ryan in the adaptation. Butler, who has been gaining recognition for his recent work in film and television, is also producing the project alongside David Heyman, Shane Salerno, and The Story Factory. Justin Kuritzkes, known for his work on Challengers and the upcoming film Queer, will bring his unique storytelling style to the screenplay. The project is being overseen by Elizabeth Gabler and Marisa Paiva at 3000 Pictures, with Drew Reed playing a key role in bringing the book series to the studio’s attention.
Future Prospects
As Winslow’s final foray into writing novels, the City trilogy is expected to be a major success in both bookstores and on the big screen. With adaptations of Winslow’s other works already in development, including series and films, his legacy as a storyteller is set to live on for years to come. Kuritzkes, with his background in literature and film, is well-equipped to bring Winslow’s vision to life on the screen. Fans of the novel series can look forward to seeing the world of City on Fire come alive in a new and exciting way.