Lionsgate Secures Film Rights to Christopher Golden’s “Carry Me to My Grave” with Francis Lawrence Set to Direct

Lionsgate has acquired the rights to the forthcoming novel *Carry Me to My Grave* and attached director-producer Francis Lawrence under his first-look deal. Lawrence will co-produce with partner Cameron Maconomy, Scott Glassgold and Glassgold’s 12:01 Films. Christopher Golden and Pete Donaldson will executive-produce; Lionsgate’s Meredith Wieck and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee development. Phil Strina negotiated the deal.

‘The Long Walk’ Director Circling Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me to My Grave’

Francis Lawrence is known for genre adaptations, including *Constantine*, *I Am Legend*, the Stephen King adaptation *The Long Walk*, and five entries in the *Hunger Games* franchise, the next of which, *Sunrise on the Reaping*, is slated for release on November 20. His first-look agreement with Lionsgate positions him to direct and produce literary-based projects, making the supernatural thriller a logical extension of his portfolio.

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• Francis Lawrence – Director, co-producer; represented by CAA and Gretchen Rusch.

‘The Long Walk’ Director Circling Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me to My Grave’

• Cameron Maconomy – Producer, Lawrence’s partner.

‘The Long Walk’ Director Circling Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me to My Grave’

• Scott Glassgold – Producer; head of 12:01 Films.

‘The Long Walk’ Director Circling Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me to My Grave’

• Christopher Golden – Author of the source novel; New York Times bestselling writer, co-writer of *Hellboy* (2019) and *The Crooked Man* (2024); recipient of Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Awards; represented by Verve and Pete Donaldson.

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• Pete Donaldson – Executive producer; also representing Golden.

‘The Long Walk’ Director Circling Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me to My Grave’

• Meredith Wieck & Pavan Kalidindi – Lionsgate development overseers.

‘The Long Walk’ Director Circling Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me to My Grave’

*Carry Me to My Grave* is a supernatural thriller that follows a man attempting to protect his deceased mother’s body from a pursuing evil. The novel, authored by Christopher Golden, is scheduled for release on July 21 through St. Martin’s Press.

‘The Long Walk’ Director Circling Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me to My Grave’

Lawrence’s most recent theatrical release, *The Long Walk*, debuted in the fall of the previous year. His upcoming *Hunger Games* prequel, *Sunrise on the Reaping*, is set for a November 20 release. Glassgold, meanwhile, is preparing to begin production on Drew Hancock’s adaptation of *My Wife and I Bought a Ranch* for Amazon MGM Studios.

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• Novel release date: July 21 (St. Martin’s Press).

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• Lawrence’s genre credits: five *Hunger Games* films, plus *Constantine*, *I Am Legend*, and *The Long Walk*.

‘The Long Walk’ Director Circling Supernatural Thriller ‘Carry Me to My Grave’

• Golden’s accolades: Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Awards.

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Lionsgate’s acquisition was described as a “preemptive move” to secure a “buzzy” forthcoming novel for development. The studio’s internal team, led by Wieck and Kalidindi, will manage the project’s progression, while Strina’s negotiation secured the rights.

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No criticism or opposition to the acquisition or development plan is reported in the available sources.

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All cited sources present a consistent account of the rights acquisition, production team, and novel details; no discrepancies or missing information are identified.

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Following the November 20 release of *Sunrise on the Reaping*, Lawrence will focus on developing *Carry Me to My Grave*. Glassgold’s next production, *My Wife and I Bought a Ranch*, will enter production for Amazon MGM Studios, indicating continued momentum for both creators.

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