Lexicon - possible Matthew Vaughn film

[cinemaphile]

One of my favorite authors, Max Barry (whose first novel, Syrup, is coming out as a film next month starring Amber Heard, Brittany Snow, and Shiloh Fernandez) had this to say about his newest book, Lexicon, coming out in June:

Film rights to Lexicon have been optioned by Matthew Vaughn, director of a slew of incredible movies including Kick-Ass 1 & 2, X-Men: First Class, Startdust, and Layer Cake. Did I mention this already? I don’t think I did. Anyway, I think we’ve been down this road often enough to realize that “optioned” doesn’t mean “there will definitely be a film.” But it does mean there might be. And I think Matthew’s record of turning optioned properties into films is running at around 90%. That’s what he told me, anyway. So that could happen.

(and yes, I know, he misspoke about Vaughn directing Kick-Ass 2)

Vaughn put up his own money to option Lexicon. Vaughn would also write (or at least co-write) a script he plans to direct if the picture goes through development. Set in a world where words can literally kill, Lexicon includes Barry’s signature riffs on branding, identity and government control.

The picture takes place in a contemporary setting where members of an ancient, secretive organization wield words with the power of persuasion, a power strong enough to be a deadly art. Lexicon follows the group’s most gifted member, a troubled young woman who breaks her society’s rule by falling in love.

His second (excellent) novel, Jennifer Government, was optioned by Clooney/Soderbergh's Section 8 Films before it came out, but that never ended up coming together. However, Barry also mentioned today that it is now looking like Jennifer Government will more likely be made as a TV series rather than a film.