Netflix developing Deep End movie

Netflix is developing a film adaptation of Ali Hazelwood’s novel “Deep End,” according to a Deadline report published August 5. The project is being produced by Shawn Levy and Alex Cooper, Deadline reported, after Netflix optioned the adaptation rights this week. No director, cast or release date has been announced, according to the report. The project adds another book adaptation to Netflix’s development slate and brings together Levy, one of the streamer’s frequent collaborators, with Cooper, the “Call Her Daddy” host whose Unwell banner has expanded into film and television production. ### What exactly has Netflix picked up? Deadline reported that Netflix secured “Deep End” for development in a pre-publication rights deal and moved ahead this week with the feature adaptation. The trade said the project is now in development at the streamer, with Levy and Dan Levine producing through 21 Laps and Cooper attached as a producer through Unwell Productions. (msn.com) August 5 was the date of Deadline’s report, and that report said Laura Kosann is writing the screenplay. Hazelwood is also attached as an executive producer, according to follow-on entertainment coverage citing the package details. ### What is “Deep End” about? “Deep End” was published on February 4, 2025, by Berkley, according to book listings and bibliographic pages. (msn.com) The novel is described as a college sports romance centered on Scarlett Vandermeer, a Stanford diver, and an elite swimmer whose relationship begins as a secret arrangement. Google Books and retailer listings describe the novel as an “Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller.” Those listings frame the book as Hazelwood’s entry in the new-adult sports romance lane after earlier success with titles including “The Love Hypothesis.” (collider.com) ### Why are Shawn Levy and Alex Cooper notable names on this project? Shawn Levy has an established relationship with Netflix through his 21 Laps banner, which has produced projects for the streamer including work in the “Stranger Things” universe, and Deadline listed him among the producers on “Deep End.” Alex Cooper is best known as the host of “Call Her Daddy,” and entertainment coverage said she is producing through Unwell Productions as that company builds out a screen slate. (books.google.com) (goodreads.com) Matt Kaplan was also named in follow-on reports as a producer for Unwell, while Emily Morris and Emily Feher were listed as overseeing the project for 21 Laps. Those details indicate the film is being assembled with a formal producing team even before a director or cast is announced. ### How far along is the movie? Netflix has not announced a production start, release window or casting, and Deadline said only that the film is in development. (msn.com) That means the project remains at an early stage, with the rights secured and a writer attached but no public production timetable. No public statement from Netflix appeared in the sourced reports, and no official project page was available in the materials reviewed. (screenrant.com) The next concrete milestone is likely to be the announcement of a director, cast or screenplay progress by Netflix, 21 Laps, Unwell Productions or Hazelwood’s representatives. (msn.com)