‘Tender Is the Night’ Adaptation by Soo Hugh, Creator of ‘Pachinko,’ Coming to Searchlight Pictures

Soo Hugh (Searchlight Pictures)

Hugh has been tapped by Searchlight Pictures to adapt and direct “Tender Is the Night,” F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1934 novel exploring the lives of married expatriates Nick and Nicole Diver as they encounter a young actress on the French Riviera. This novel, Fitzgerald’s last completed work, showcases his signature themes of romance, wealth, alcoholism, and mental instability.

The book has previously been reimagined through various mediums, including a stage play, TV miniseries, ballet, and a 1962 film featuring Jason Robards and Jennifer Jones. Hugh will produce the upcoming Searchlight film alongside LuckyChap, Putnam Pictures, and Moonslinger Productions, helmed by Margo Klewans.

The upcoming film adaptation of Fitzgerald’s “Tender Is the Night,” directed by Hugh, will explore the lives of expatriates on the French Riviera (Searchlight Pictures)

Richard Ruiz, Vice President at Searchlight Pictures, will oversee the project, working under the supervision of production and development heads Katie Goodson-Thomas and DanTram Nguyen.

Hugh is currently the showrunner, executive producer, and writer for the acclaimed series “Pachinko,” based on the bestselling novel that chronicles the saga of a Korean immigrant family over four generations.

The first season of “Pachinko” garnered numerous accolades, including a Peabody Entertainment Award, a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Foreign Language Series, an Independent Spirit Award for Best Ensemble Cast, and a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Series.

The second season is slated for release on Apple TV+ on Aug. 23. Additionally, Hugh’s Moonslinger Productions will executive produce “The White Darkness,” starring Tom Hiddleston. Her past work includes co-show running AMC’s “The Terror,” creating ABC’s “The Whispers,” and contributing to “The Killing” and “Under the Dome.”