Netflix develops Hatchet film adaptation with writer director Derek Cianfrance

Streaming platform Netflix is developing a feature film adaptation of Gary Paulsen's 1987 young adult survival novel Hatchet, AV Club, ComingSoon, and Variety reported. Derek Cianfrance is attached to write and direct the feature length production. [1][2][3]

Variety reported that Andrew Mittman will serve as a producer on the film through his banner 1.21, which previously produced the series Wednesday for Netflix. According to ComingSoon, the narrative follows 13 year old Brian Robeson as he attempts to survive alone in the wilderness following a plane crash. [2][3]

The estate of Gary Paulsen agreed to the deal after holding the intellectual property off the market for several years, according to AV Club. Representatives for the late author's estate, including his widow Ruth Wright Paulsen, were directly involved in selecting Cianfrance for the adaptation. [1]

Cianfrance previously directed the 2010 romantic drama Blue Valentine, the 2012 crime drama The Place Beyond the Pines, and the 2025 crime comedy Roofman, AV Club and Variety reported. [1][3]