Nicholas Sparks Sets Three Films, Including ‘The Wish,’ at Universal Pictures

variety.com:

Rebecca Rubin Film and Media ReporterNicholas Sparks, the author of romantic weepies like “The Notebook,” “A Walk to Remember,” “Dear John” and “The Last Song,” is partnering with Universal Pictures to produce three feature films.The movies will be based on some of his recent novels, including “The Wish,” an emotional story about first love.

During the pandemic alone, Sparks churned out “The Return,” which was published in September 2020 and recently optioned for film, as well as “The Wish,” which came out in September 2021.

His 23rd novel, “Dreamland,” will be published in September 2022.The announcement comes as part of a first-look production agreement with Universal.Zack Hayden will produce “The Wish” on behalf of Anonymous Content with oversight by Anonymous Content CEO Dawn Olmstead and CCO David Levin.

They will work alongside Sparks’ longtime literary agent and collaborator Theresa Park, as well as Universal Pictures’ VP of production development Lexi Barta. “Nick Sparks’ evocative novels have served as beloved cultural touchstones, with strong characters and powerful themes that make them ideal for cinematic adaptation,” said Universal Pictures President Peter Cramer. “We are honored to partner with Nick, Theresa and Anonymous Content on these new films, which we know will build upon his successful track record of captivating audiences around the globe.”Since Sparks wrote his first novel “The Notebook” in 1996, 11 of his books have been adapted into feature films.