Yorgos Lanthimos to Write, Direct Adaptation of Crime Novel Pop. 1280

Yorgos Lanthimos (whom some of us consider their Favourite director, heh heh) will write and direct an adaptation of the novel Pop. 1280, Deadline reports. The 1964 crime story, written by Jim Thompson, is apparently a “high priority” project for Imperative Entertainment and Element Pictures, which is understandable, given The Favourite’s pack-leading 10 Oscar nods.

Lanthimos, who could possibly win his first Academy Award on Sunday, Feb. 24, for his work on The Favourite, has reportedly long been a fan of the novel. Pop. 1280 focuses on a sheriff in a tiny town who’ll use any means at his disposal to win an election. Questionable morals and Lanthimos go together like rabbits and Queen Anne. In other words, we’re ready.

Producers for the forthcoming film include Andrew Lowe and Ed Guiney of Element (who’ve worked with the Greek filmmaker on Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Lobster and The Favourite), Lanthimos, Ryan Friedkin of Imperative Entertainment and Discovery Productions’ John Alan Simon.

Stay tuned for further updates on Lanthimos’ next film, revisit our recent feature on his filmography’s treatment of love and prep for the Oscars with our 2019 preview.