Sally Field to Lead in Netflix Adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s Novel ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’

Sally Field is set to star in Remarkably Bright Creatures, the film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s best-selling debut novel. Netflix has acquired the project, which is currently in the early stages of development. Olivia Newman, known for her work on last summer’s hit Where the Crawdads Sing, will direct the film and co-write the screenplay with John Whittington, whose credits include Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and The Lego Batman Movie.

Published in 2022, Remarkably Bright Creatures tells the story of Tova Sullivan, a widow who befriends an octopus named Marcellus while working as a janitor at an aquarium. The octopus helps Tova unravel the mystery surrounding her son’s disappearance at sea three decades earlier.

Field, a two-time Academy Award winner for Norma Rae and Places in the Heart, was last seen in 80 for Brady. Her extensive filmography includes classics such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Forrest Gump, and Steel Magnolias.

The film is being produced by Anonymous Content’s David Levine, Bryan Unkeless of I, Tonya fame, and Field’s son Peter Craig, known for Top Gun: Maverick and The Batman. Anonymous Content’s Tony Lipp and Alyssa Rodrigues will serve as executive producers.