“That Octopus Book” Remarkably Bright Creatures is Becoming a Movie!
Octopus Fans! Shelby Van Pelt’s novel Remarkably Bright Creatures, affectionately known as “that octopus book,” is officially being adapted into a feature film on Netflix!
YUP, you heard that right—Netflix, who brought us the award-winning original documentary My Octopus Teacher, is handing the mic over to a giant Pacific octopus to share another mesmerizing story. If you thought Craig Foster’s life-changing friendship with a wild octopus was moving, get ready for another emotional journey with Remarkably Bright Creatures!
Sy Montgomery, Author of the Soul of an Octopus told OctoNation “I am absolutely THRILLED to learn that this great novel is going to be film–and extend the already elastic reach of the octopus to help even more people fall in love with these “remarkably bright creatures”! BRAVA! And the human star [Sally Field] will be one of my favorite actresses who I have adored since she was The Flying Nun!
Sally Field is in conversations to star in the film adaptation of the Read with Jenna book club pick “Remarkably Bright Creatures.” pic.twitter.com/N3QYIvyvgy
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 15, 2024
Meet Marcellus: The Octopus at the Heart of the Story
In case you haven’t yet read the instant bestseller, we won’t spoil it–but Remarkably Bright Creatures follows the unlikely friendship between Tova Sullivan, a lonely widow working night-shift at an aquarium, and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus with a sarcastic disposition and a mind like no other. Through their bond, Tova embarks on a journey of discovery that addresses long-standing questions about her past, including the disappearance of her 18 year-old son at sea 30 years ago. It’s a story that’s heartwarming, mysterious, and packed with the kind of octopus wisdom we love to celebrate here at OctoNation, the largest octopus fan club!
“I’m delighted at the thought of the movie-version Marcellus capturing the hearts and imaginations of octopus fans both old and new,” Van Pelt told OctoNation when reached out to for comment. “The team working on this totally gets how extraordinary octopuses are, and I can’t wait to work alongside them to bring this story to the screen.” — We’re so excited!!!
Sally Field’s Star Power: Bringing Tova Sullivan to Life
The film adaptation is in the talented hands of Olivia Newman, who directed the hit Where the Crawdads Sing. Newman is teaming up with screenwriter John Whittington (the guy behind Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and The Lego Batman Movie) to bring Van Pelt’s beautiful story to life. We’re so proud of her! And get this—Sally Field, the legendary actress and two-time Oscar winner, is in talks to star as Tova! How’s that for a dream team?
Can you imagine what Marcellus, the giant Pacific octopus will look like?
Given Netflix’s recent track record for betting on octopus films 😉, we’re expecting big things! I’m sure you remember how My Octopus Teacher took the world by storm, winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It had EVERYONE saying “have you seen that octopus documentary on Netflix?” We can’t wait to see what they do with Remarkably Bright Creatures!
Who will be the voice of Marcellus the octopus!? Any guesses?
OctoNation Predicts: Bestseller to Blockbuster, Remarkably Bright Creatures!
So, get ready, OctoNation! Keep your eyes peeled here for more updates, and in the meantime, if you haven’t read “that octopus book” yet, now’s the perfect time to dive in!
Warren is the Founder of OctoNation, a nonprofit organization that works to inspire the wonder of the ocean by educating the world about octopuses. As a professional community building strategist, Warren has collaborated with hundreds of underwater photographers, artists, scientists, and aquarists to create educational resources for both children and adults.
Jacque Cousteau said it best, “People protect what they love.” OctoNation’s community of over 1 million members wholeheartedly agree! Wanna get involved? Email [email protected]
Warren is the Founder of OctoNation, a nonprofit organization that works to inspire the wonder of the ocean by educating the world about octopuses. As a professional community building strategist, Warren has collaborated with hundreds of underwater photographers, artists, scientists, and aquarists to create educational resources for both children and adults.
Jacque Cousteau said it best, “People protect what they love.” OctoNation’s community of over 1 million members wholeheartedly agree! Wanna get involved? Email [email protected]
