Leonardo DiCaprio to Produce YA Adaptation ‘Sandcastle Empire’ for Paramount

Paramount Pictures has optioned the YA novel “The Sandcastle Empire” with Leonardo DiCaprio on board to produce.

Jennifer Davisson, DiCaprio’s partner at Appian Way, is also attached to produce through their production banner.

The novel was written by Kayla Olson and is set in 2049 when the Earth is at a breaking point due to climate change, coastal flooding and overpopulation. A radical faction known as the Wolfpack overthrows the government and takes control.

The story centers on a young woman named Eden who escapes a Wolfpack labor camp, joining three others fleeing to an island. During her journey, she will find clues as to what happened to her missing father and find out that she is the key to bringing down the Wolfpack.

The book’s theme of climate change is an important one for DiCaprio, as he’s been vocal about the environmental issue, speaking out on it as recently as Saturday’s SAG Awards.

Appian’s Nathaniel Posey identified the book and brought it into the company.

DiCaprio can currently be seen in Fox’s “The Revenant” and just won SAG award for his role in the film. He is repped by LBI Entertainment.
The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Source: Variety