Netflix’s ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ Welcomes Sally Field as Lead Actress

In early discussions for “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” Sally Field is set to star in the adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s novel. Netflix has secured the rights to this project, which is currently in its initial development stages.

Olivia Newman, known for the surprise success “Where the Crawdads Sing,” is directing the film. The 2022 adaptation of Delia Owens’ best-seller, “Where the Crawdads Sing,” earned $144 million globally and featured Daisy Edgar-Jones. Newman is co-writing the screenplay alongside John Whittington, whose credits include “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” and “The Lego Batman Movie.”

Van Pelt’s debut novel, released in 2022, quickly became a bestseller. The narrative revolves around Tova Sullivan, a widow who forms an unexpected bond with a giant octopus named Marcellus after taking a night shift job as an aquarium janitor. This relationship helps Tova piece together the mystery of her son’s disappearance at sea 30 years prior.

Field, a two-time Academy Award winner for “Norma Rae” and “Places in the Heart,” recently appeared in the comedy “80 for Brady,” about friends who follow Tom Brady to the Super Bowl. Her illustrious film career includes roles in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Forrest Gump,” “Steel Magnolias,” “Smokey and the Bandit,” and “Lincoln.”

The film is being produced by David Levine of Anonymous Content, alongside Bryan Unkeless and Field’s son, Peter Craig. Executive producers include Tony Lipp and Alyssa Rodrigues from Anonymous Content.