Sony’s 3000 Pictures has enlisted Justin Kuritzkes to adapt the first installment of Don Winslow’s bestselling novel trilogy, City on Fire. This adaptation is slated to be a star vehicle for Austin Butler, with Kuritzkes fresh off his work on the Zendaya-starrer Challengers. The project is being produced by David Heyman of Heyday Films, along with Shane Salerno and The Story Factory. Kuritzkes’ previous work includes adapting Guadagnino’s upcoming film Queer, starring Daniel Craig.
City on Fire, the first book in Winslow’s trilogy, is a modern retelling of classic tales like the Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid, and Greek tragic dramas, set in the world of contemporary crime. The trilogy has been receiving high praise, with the final installment City in Ruins recently making waves on bestseller lists. The story revolves around a conflict between two criminal empires, one Irish and the other Italian, that dominate New England. When a modern-day Helen of Troy emerges, it sparks a brutal war that forces the main character, Danny Ryan, to evolve from a street soldier into a fierce leader determined to protect his loved ones.
The adaptation of City on Fire was acquired well before the release of the first book, in a significant deal in 2021. Winslow views this trilogy as his final foray into book writing, with plans to explore other creative endeavors moving forward. Kuritzkes, who is represented by CAA and Ziffren Brittenham, will be tasked with bringing this compelling and intricate story to life on the screen. The project is being overseen by 3000’s Elizabeth Gabler and Marisa Paiva, with Drew Reed playing a key role in bringing the book series to the attention of the studio.
As the adaptation of City on Fire continues to develop, fans of Winslow’s work and newcomers alike can anticipate a gripping and intense cinematic experience. With a talented team behind the project and a captivating source material to draw from, the stage is set for a compelling exploration of power, loyalty, and ambition in the world of organized crime. Stay tuned for updates on casting, production timelines, and more as this exciting project unfolds.