In an industry where studios frequently engage in bidding wars for literary properties, Netflix has emerged victorious in its latest high-stakes acquisition. According to reports from industry outlets like The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and The Wrap, the streaming giant shelled out a remarkable $1 million for Nicholas Binge's science-fiction novella, Understudy. When broken down, as calculated by Allociné, this translates to approximately $43,478 per page.
Such a substantial investment underscores the rising profile of author Nicholas Binge, particularly within the genre fiction community. His works are celebrated globally, translated into over 25 languages, and have multiple adaptations already in progress. The Hollywood Reporter notes that Binge's novel Dissolution is currently being adapted by Eric Heisserer (known for Arrival) at Sony Pictures, while his thriller White Smoke was acquired by A24 UK, with Benedict Cumberbatch reportedly in contention for the lead role.
The Understudy novella is slated to become a Netflix series, with the acclaimed duo Phil Lord and Chris Miller attached as producers. The filmmakers, known for their work on Project Hail Mary, are also rumored to direct the pilot episode. Adding further star power, actor Steven Yeun is on board as a producer and is reportedly the top choice for the lead role, though this remains unconfirmed. Yeun's last small-screen appearance was in the critically acclaimed Netflix hit Beef.
Nicholas Binge himself is set to pen the adaptation of his own work. The intriguing premise of Understudy follows:
"An actor is hired for a major role in South Korea. But very quickly, bodies accumulate, crimes are committed, and the actor gradually realizes he is at the heart of a major conspiracy."
As the project is still in its nascent stages, a release date is yet to be announced. However, with such an impressive roster of talent involved, anticipation for the Understudy adaptation is already building. Fans can look forward to seeing Steven Yeun next in Ben Affleck's Animals, set to release on Netflix on October 9, 2026. Meanwhile, Phil Lord and Chris Miller's Spider-Man: Beyond The Spider-Verse is scheduled to hit theaters on June 23, 2027.
