A film adaption of Hannah Gold’s bestselling novel “The Last Bear” has set Bertie Ellwood (“Hawkeye,” “Silo”) as director. Studiocanal has also come on board the project as financier, distributor and worldwide sales agent.
The book follows 11-year-old April and her emotionally distant, climate-scientist father on a research trip to a remote Norwegian Island. There, without friends or cell service, she forms a unique relationship with a stranded and injured polar bear. Determined to help her new friend across the melting ice, April takes off on an adventure — one that might not only help save the bear but could also rebuild her heartbroken relationship with her father.
“This is a story of bravery and rescue in every sense — between a girl and a bear, and just as powerfully, between a daughter and her father. It’s raw, hopeful, and exactly the kind of story I believe the world needs right now,” said Ellwood.
The screenplay was written by Patrick Burleigh (Marvel’s “Eternals,” “Peter Rabbit 2”). ZQ’s Ara Keshishian, Prime Universe Films’ Adrian Askarieh, WexWorks’ Matt Wexler and ZQ’s Petr Jákl will to produce. Development on the film was financed by ZQ Entertainment and their partner RTF.