Gina Atwater has signed a multi-year overall deal with Netflix. The “Westworld” scribe will be creating, producing, and writing new series and projects for the streamer, “focusing on prestige content across multiple genres that put traditionally underrepresented characters front and center,” Deadline details.
Her first order of business will be penning an adaptation of “Raybearer,” Jordan Ifueko’s bestselling 2020 YA fantasy novel. The story follows Tarisai, a girl who has always “longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If she’s picked, she’ll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. That closeness is irresistible to Tarisai, who has always wanted to belong somewhere. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey: Kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust. Tarisai won’t stand by and become someone’s pawn—but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself?” the book’s official synopsis teases.
“Raybearer” is currently in early development at Netflix.
“Gina is a triple threat as a writer, director, and producer and we’re thrilled to be working with her,” said Matt Thunell, Netflix Vice President, Overall Deals. “Her experiences crafting fearless, character-centered work amid complex fantasy worlds makes her the perfect writer to take on the world of ‘Raybearer.’”
Atwater added, “It’s an absolute privilege to join the Netflix family. I’m grateful I get to collaborate with a company that shares my passion for pursuing bold and innovative stories that give underrepresented characters a place to shine in the prestige space.”
Best known for spending three season in the writers room on HBO sci-fi Western “Westworld,” Atwater’s other credits include “Crossing,” a 2012 short she wrote and directed.
