It seems like the renowned filmmaker is finally out of hibernation mode. It has been recently confirmed that Jeff Nicholas will now be working on adapting Cormac McCarthy’s last two novels, The Passenger and Stella Maris. His latest film, “The Bikeriders,” premiered last year at Telluride after over eight years. After a hiatus of almost a decade, the filmmaker is back in his directing chair and is now all set with his upcoming projects.
During an interview with Awards Watch, the writer-director revealed his upcoming project, which includes the adaptation of McCarthy’s novel The Passenger and Stella Maris. So far, Nichols hasn’t given any further details on this project, but he did share that he is also planning to adapt David Grann’s “The Yankee Commandante” and plans a “giant” sci-fi film “about the nature of home.”
As for McCarthy’s novel adaptation, this will be a passion project for Nichols, who has often openly declared his fondness for McCarthy’s work and how he has profoundly influenced his films.
The Passenger and Stella Maris were McCarthy’s final novels, released in 2022. The Passenger was released six weeks before its companion novel, Stella Maris. The plot of both The Passenger and Stella Maris follows Bobby and Alicia Western, two siblings whose father helped develop the atomic bomb. It is not confirmed whether Nichols is planning to make two different sequels or if he will give all his attention to a single production.
McCarthy first began writing The Passenger in the 1980s, drafting the novel intermittently over the next few decades. It was finally released 40 years later, to mostly positive reactions from literary critics.
McCarthy was an acclaimed writer whose novels have often been the subject of filmmakers’ adaptations. Some directors have successfully adapted McCarthy novels for the big screen, such as the 2007 film “No Country for Old Men.” John Hillcoat, who adapted “The Road,” is still working on his “Blood Meridian” big-screen adaptation, with a screenplay penned by the late author himself.
Who is Jeff Nichols?
Jeff Nichols is an acclaimed filmmaker whose films are characterized by their Southern United States backdrop and ambiance. After studying filmmaking at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Nichols moved into the independent filmmaking scene with Shotgun Stories (2007). Later, he went on to direct critically acclaimed movies like Take Shelter, Mud, Midnight Special, and Loving. His 2012 film Mud competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
Nichols’ upcoming adaptation of McCarthy’s novels will undoubtedly be highly anticipated, given his track record of making incredible movies. As fans eagerly await updates, Nichols’ upcoming film, “The Bikeriders,” scheduled for release on June 21, 2024, promises to continue his legacy of compelling storytelling.
