Olivia Newman to Adapt New Bestseller Featuring a Cephalopod Star

Olivia Newman, the filmmaker known for directing Where the Crawdads Sing, is adapting another major bestseller for the screen. Netflix will release Remarkably Bright Creatures on May 8, 2026.

The film is based on the debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt, a title that maintained a presence on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 64 weeks.

Cast and Production Details

The production features Sally Field and Lewis Pullman in leading roles. A central figure in the story is Marcellus, a cantankerous giant octopus, who is voiced by Alfred Molina.

The screenplay was co-written by director Olivia Newman and John Whittington, who previously worked on Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Producing the project for Night Owl are Peter Craig and Bryan Unkeless, with David Levine of Anonymous Content also serving as a producer.

Project Background

The adaptation transforms Van Pelt’s novel, which became widely known as that octopus book, into a heartwarming mystery for the streaming platform.

The film’s approach combines a star-studded human cast with the central cephalopod character to bring the bestseller’s narrative to life.

With a release date set for May 8, 2026, the project marks another instance of Newman bringing a high-profile literary success to a visual medium.