When in Rome adaptation moves ahead at Rebelle Media and MGM Television
Rebelle Media and MGM Television have struck a deal to adapt Sarah Adams’ When in Rome romance books for the screen.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
The When in Rome adaptation is moving forward, with Rebelle Media and MGM Television closing a deal to bring Sarah Adams’ romance book series to the screen, according to Deadline.
Amanda Palley, Rebelle Media’s co-founder and chief creative officer, announced the deal Thursday during the San Diego Comic-Con panel “Romance on the Big Screen: Why It’s About Damn Time,” Deadline reported.
Laura Lewis, Rebelle Media’s founder and chief executive, told the audience the company was excited by the series’ small-town setting and its ensemble of characters, according to Deadline. Lewis said she did not feel she needed to pitch the books to the room, adding that the team wanted more shows in that vein.
What is the When in Rome adaptation about?
Sarah Adams’ first When in Rome novel follows Amelia Rose, a pop star whose fans know her as Rae Rose. Worn out by the demands of celebrity, she leaves in the middle of the night for a break inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday.
Her destination is Rome, Kentucky, rather than Italy’s capital. Once there, her car gives out on the front lawn of Noah Walker, a local man who, according to Deadline’s description of the book, is not impressed by celebrity problems.
The deal adds another romance title to Rebelle Media’s growing slate after the company sharpened its focus on love-led projects across film, television and books.
Who is behind Rebelle Media?
Rebelle Media was founded by Lewis in 2018 with an emphasis on female-driven stories, Deadline reported. The company’s past work includes the Hulu series Tell Me Lies and the films Mr. Malcolm’s List and Long Weekend.
Palley joined Rebelle as co-founder and chief creative officer after more than 10 years at CBS Studios and CBS, where she was senior vice president of current programs and led current programming for the network’s CW series, according to Deadline.
Deadline previously reported that Rebelle is also developing screen versions of Christina Lauren’s The Paradise Problem and Rebecca Armitage’s The Heir Apparent, which was selected by Reese’s Book Club.
Rebelle is also working with MGM Television on a television adaptation of Jo Piazza’s The Sicilian Inheritance, Deadline reported.
The Comic-Con panel where the When in Rome news was announced also included authors Ali Hazelwood, Christina Lauren and Maureen Goo, along with Max Seimers of Magic Hour Entertainment, according to Deadline.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.