Netflix options Anjet Daanje novel The Remembered Soldier for film adaptation
Netflix has optioned the film rights to Anjet Daanje’s award-winning novel The Remembered Soldier (The remembered soldier), with filmmaker Olivia Newman attached to write the screenplay and direct, Dutch publisher Passage announced, as reported by literary blog Tzum.
The Dutch-language novel centers on an unidentified, unwounded soldier found near the Belgian front line during the First World War. Four years after the conflict ends, a newspaper advertisement helps him reunite with his family under the name Amand Coppens. His wife, Julienne, brings him home, but he retains no memories of his prior life. As she recounts their history, the couple rebuilds their relationship and falls in love again.
Publisher Anton Scheepstra stated that the initial agreement represents an option rather than a firm production commitment, with a final greenlight depending on the development of the script by Newman. Financial terms of the contract remain confidential under the agreement between the publisher and the streaming service.
Novel accolades and international translation build screen prospects
Daanje’s historical drama achieved significant critical recognition in the Netherlands following its publication. The book won the Bordewijk Prize in 2020, received the Best Groningen Book award in the fiction category for the same year, and secured a place on the longlist for the Libris Literature Prize.
The literary reach of the work extended internationally when American publisher New Vessel Press released an English-language edition. The novel also earned a spot on the longlist for the International Booker Prize, elevating its profile ahead of the current film option agreement.
Filmmaker Olivia Newman takes on adaptation duties
Olivia Newman is leading the screen adaptation process, having already communicated with Daanje regarding creative direction for the cinematic version. Newman is currently drafting the screenplay.
Production timelines remain unconfirmed, as Netflix has not yet scheduled a release date or confirmed when filming will commence. The streaming platform is expected to make a final decision on producing the feature once Newman completes the script.
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