After the success of Netflix‘s film adaptations of Jenny Han’s (author, The Summer I Turned Pretty) To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before book series, young-adult novels have been the focus of many streaming networks desperate for more original content. Now, Marissa Meyer’s (author, Cinder) Instant Karma, which hit shelves in November 2020, has been optioned by HBO Max for potential series, via The Hollywood Reporter.
The bestselling novel follows Prudence Barnett, a judgmental overachiever, who suddenly gains to power to control the karma of those in her small, coastal town. However, she soon learns her powers are limited, as they can not effect Quint, her lazy lab partner. It is only after Prudence and Quint work together as volunteers at the town’s rescue center that she is able to think better of her initial judgements of Quint and the rest of her home town.
Meyer is currently attached to the project as a co-producer, which, according to The Hollywood Reporter, will be a half-hour series.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Instant Karma is Meyer’s first romantic comedy novel. She is well known for writing fantasy novels such as those in her bestselling series, The Lunar Chronicles. In addition to her work as an author, Meyer’s hosts The Happy Writer, a podcast giving tips to writers regarding rejection, the writing process, and writer’s block.
With the YA book segment being wildly popular, it’s no question why each streamer is trying to find their own series to option for adaptation. In February, Jenny Han’s The Summer I Turned Pretty book series was announced to be in development as television series for Amazon Prime Video. HBO Max is likely hoping Instant Karma will become the latest YA hit in order to bring more subscribers to their service.