Full Breakdown
Florence Pugh to Star in and Produce Film Adaptation of Matt Haig’s *The Midnight Library*
5/12/2026, 12:56:23 PM
Project Overview
Studiocanal and Blueprint Pictures are moving forward with a feature-length adaptation of Matt Haig’s bestselling novel *The Midnight Library*. Oscar-nominee Florence Pugh will both headline the film as protagonist Nora Seed and serve as a producer. Director Garth Davis—who previously worked with Pugh on the upcoming Netflix series *East of Eden*—will helm the project. The screenplay is co-written by Olivier Award winner Laura Wade and Tony-nominated playwright Nick Payne. Pre-production is slated to begin in autumn 2026, with principal photography scheduled for early 2027. Studiocanal will launch worldwide sales at the 2026 Cannes market and intends to release the film theatrically across its European and Australasian territories.
Background & Context
*The Midnight Library* was first published by Canongate Books in 2020. It quickly became a global phenomenon, exploring themes of depression, suicide, regret and the multiplicity of life choices through the allegorical setting of a library “between life and death.” The novel’s commercial success has driven interest in a cinematic version that could bring its mental-health narrative to a broader audience.
Principal Cast and Production Team
- Florence Pugh – Lead actress (Nora Seed) and producer.
- Garth Davis – Director.
- Laura Wade & Nick Payne – Screenwriters.
- Matt Haig – Executive producer and author of the source material.
- Graham Broadbent and Pete Czernin – Producers (Blueprint Pictures).
- Anita Overland – Producer (Blueprint).
- Anna Marsh – CEO, Studiocanal; executive producer.
Additional executive producers include Blueprint’s Ben Knight and Diarmuid McKeown, and Studiocanal’s Ron Halpern and Dan MacRae.
Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Studiocanal & Blueprint option the novel. |
| Autumn 2026 | Pre-production begins; Cannes market sales launch. |
| Early 2027 | Principal photography commences. |
| TBD | Theatrical release in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Benelux, Australia, New Zealand. |
Data & Statistics
- Reported sales: 15 million copies (multiple sources) vs. over 56 million copies (Elle).
- Translated into 56 languages.
- Planned theatrical footprint covers nine territories.
Significance and Impact
The adaptation aims to translate the novel’s exploration of mental-health struggles into a visual medium, potentially raising awareness of depression and suicide while offering a “celebration of life” narrative. Its status as one of Studiocanal’s largest-budget projects underscores the studio’s confidence in the story’s commercial and cultural resonance.
Official Statements & Responses
- Garth Davis highlighted the collaborative chemistry with Pugh and described the film as “a celebration of life in all its possibility and complexity.”
- Matt Haig expressed satisfaction that “Nora’s story is in such great hands” and praised the assembled creative team.
- Anna Marsh noted the studio’s excitement to work with “exceptional talent” to bring the novel to the big screen.
- Studiocanal confirmed its intention to market the film at Cannes and to release it across its core territories.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Florence Pugh on The Midnight Library.” — Garth Davis, Director
- “Her warmth and talent are magical, and together I know we’ll do something special working with Matt’s iconic novel. This is a story that moves us both — a celebration of life in all its possibility and complexity.” — Garth Davis, Director
- “I am so happy that Nora’s story is in such great hands, and that her myriad possibilities will be vividly reawakened by the absolute perfect team.” — Matt Haig, Author & Executive Producer
- “ Anna Marsh, CEO Studiocanal and Chief Content Officer of Canal+ Group, added: “We are thrilled to be working with such exceptional talent to bring Matt Haig’s deeply moving novel to the big screen in partnership with Blueprint Pictures.” — Anna Marsh, CEO, Studiocanal
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Sales figures differ: some outlets cite 15 million copies sold, while others claim over 56 million. The translation count (56 languages) is consistent.
- Release date remains unannounced; all sources agree only that the film will debut in the listed territories after production.
- No additional cast members have been confirmed beyond Pugh.
What’s Next
Pre-production activities—including casting, set design and finalizing the screenplay—will commence this autumn. The project will be presented to buyers at the 2026 Cannes market, after which distribution agreements for the identified territories are expected. Filming is slated for early 2027, with post-production and marketing to follow, positioning the film for a theatrical rollout sometime after mid-2028. Concurrently, Pugh will appear in *Avengers: Doomsday* and *Dune: Part Three*, both slated for December 2026, highlighting a busy period for the actress.
