Full Breakdown
Sony’s 3000 Pictures Secures Adaptation Rights to Katy Hays’ Novel “Home Economics” with Julia Roberts Starring and Producing
5/23/2026, 4:54:16 AM
Acquisition Overview
Sony’s 3000 Pictures announced that it has acquired the film rights to *Home Economics*, an upcoming novel by New York Times bestselling author Katy Hays. Academy Award winner Julia Roberts is attached to star in the adaptation and will also produce through her Red Om Films banner. The acquisition was reported in May 2026.
Publishing Background
*Home Economics* emerged from a highly competitive publishing auction and was sold to Pamela Dorman Books, an imprint of Viking under Penguin Random House. The novel is scheduled for publication in 2027 and has already been sold in eleven international territories. Hays’ previous works include the debut novel *The Cloister* and the best-selling novel *Saltwater*, which currently appears on the New York Times best-seller list.
Key Players
- Julia Roberts – Oscar-winning actress; will headline the film and co-produce via Red Om Films.
- Katy Hays – Author; will adapt the novel for the screen and serve as executive producer.
- Lisa Gillan & Marisa Yeres Gill – Partners at Red Om Films; co-producers on the project.
- Marc Platt – Veteran producer of *Wicked*; producing through Marc Platt Productions.
- Sony 3000 Pictures – Studio acquiring the rights and overseeing development.
- Jake Bauman – Sony Literary team member credited with bringing the project to 3000 Pictures.
- Elizabeth Gabler & Aislinn Dunster – Executives assigned to supervise the adaptation at 3000 Pictures.
Representation & Production Structure
Roberts and Red Om Films are represented by CAA and Hirsch Wallerstein. Marc Platt is represented by 42 West and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Hays is represented for publishing by Elisabeth Weed and The Book Group and for film and television by CAA. The combined production team will collaborate to translate Hays’ novel into a feature-length screenplay, with Hays credited as the screenwriter.
Data & Statistics
- Publication year of the source novel: 2027.
- International rights sold: 11 territories.
- Publishing imprint: Pamela Dorman Books, Viking (Penguin Random House).
- Production partners: Red Om Films, Marc Platt Productions, Sony 3000 Pictures.
Official Statements & Responses
Sony’s internal communications credit Jake Bauman and the Sony Literary team for securing the project. Sony 3000 Pictures has designated Elizabeth Gabler and Aislinn Dunster to supervise development, indicating the studio’s commitment to shepherd the adaptation through early-stage production.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree that plot details and a release schedule for the film remain undisclosed. No official statement provides a projected start of principal photography or a target theatrical release window.
What’s Next
The novel’s 2027 publication will likely catalyze further development milestones for the film adaptation. As of the latest reports, the project remains in pre-production, with no announced casting beyond Julia Roberts or a definitive production timeline.
