Jerry Spinelli's young adult novel 'Dead Wednesday' set for a movie adaptation, with Alex Haughey at the helm
A film adaptation of Jerry Spinelli's young adult novel, "Dead Wednesday," is in the works, with USC-trained filmmaker Alex Haughey set to direct and produce the project.
Haughey, who has previously directed "Under the Influencer" and "Prodigy," will be joined by executive producers Inspired Girl, Jennifer Tuma-Young, Tara Fogarty-Graziano, and Noam Dromi in bringing Spinelli's poignant story to the big screen.
"Dead Wednesday," published in 2021, explores the sensitive topic of youth mental health. The novel is set in a small town called Amber Springs, where a group of eighth graders mysteriously disappear for a day. The town treats them as if they're gone, assigning the pre-teens the names of teens lost too soon.
The story takes an unexpected turn when a character named Worm Tarnauer, who feels invisible, is visited by Becca Finch, a fearless, sharp-tongued spirit killed in a car crash. Becca shakes up Worm's world, leading to an unforgettable day that's equal parts funny, painful, and epic.
Noam Dromi, who co-wrote the Warner Bros and Alcon Entertainment film "Dolphin Tale" and won the first Primetime Emmy for VR in 2015, will also produce the film adaptation of "Dead Wednesday." Dromi expressed his excitement about the project, stating that it captures the fragile, exhilarating space between childhood and adulthood.
Spinelli, best known for his novels "Maniac Magee" and "Wringer," is excited about the film adaptation of his latest work. His previous novel, "Stargirl," was adapted into a Disney+ film of the same name and had a sequel, "Hollywood Stargirl."
As of now, production timelines and casting have yet to be announced for the film adaptation of "Dead Wednesday." However, with a talented team behind the project, audiences can look forward to a thought-provoking and engaging film.
Read also:
- Today's most impactful photographic moments
- Support for Eric Adams in The Post's Letters to the Editor on August 13, 2025
- Roosting Shark and Rambunctious Red Squirrels: Unconventional House Rental in Yorkshire Involving Aquatic Marvel, Squirrely Mayhem, and Mystical Planning Regulations
- Legal Dispute Dismissed with Humor: Supreme Court Laughs off Another Civil Matter Mislabeled as Criminal Prosecution
