The bestselling South Korean science fiction novel A Thousand Blues by Cheon Seon-ran is set to become a Hollywood movie. Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the film rights, according to Hubble, the literary imprint of East-Asia Publishing based in Seoul. The deal, reportedly worth six figures, marks a major step in bringing Korean literature to the global screen.
A Global Step for Korean Sci-Fi
The announcement was made on Saturday. Hubble confirmed that the movie adaptation is now officially in development. Warner Bros., the studio known for Harry Potter, Dune, and The Matrix, expressed interest in the novel’s “original and compelling” story. The project aims to introduce the touching tale to a worldwide audience.
Top Directors in Talks
While a director has not yet been finalized, several big names are being considered. The list includes Celine Song, known for Past Lives, Greta Gerwig of Barbie and Little Women, and Alfonso Cuarón, the director of Gravity and Roma. The final decision is expected to be made in the coming months.
A Story of Robots, Horses, and Humanity
Set in the year 2035, A Thousand Blues paints a future where robots live alongside humans. The story follows Collie, a humanoid robot jockey, and Today, its aging racehorse. Both are approaching the end of their working lives. Today is facing euthanasia due to joint failure. As their future becomes uncertain, they meet a mother and her two daughters who offer unexpected help.
Together, they go on a journey that explores deep emotional themes like grief, hope, healing, and the value of slowing down in a fast-moving world. The novel highlights the human side of technology in a way that resonates across cultures.
A Bestseller With Awards and Global Reach
First released in 2020, A Thousand Blues quickly became a bestseller in South Korea. It won the Grand Prize at the 4th Korea Science Fiction Awards. To date, it has sold over 200,000 copies in Korea alone.
The book’s popularity has spread beyond Asia. Translation rights have been sold in more than 10 countries. It is now available in Japan, Taiwan, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom. English-speaking markets are also preparing for the novel’s arrival.
Beyond the Page: Stage and Musical Adaptations
The story has already made its way to the stage. In 2024, the National Theater Company of Korea produced a play based on the book. That same year, the Seoul Performing Arts Company presented a musical version. Both were well received and brought new audiences to the touching sci-fi tale.
Why Warner Bros. Chose A Thousand Blues
Warner Bros. reportedly saw potential in the novel’s emotional depth and futuristic setting. The studio is focusing more on stories that combine strong characters with global themes. The mix of science fiction and heartfelt storytelling made A Thousand Blues a perfect fit.
Experts in the film industry see this deal as part of a larger trend. Hollywood has been turning to international books for fresh ideas. South Korean culture, in particular, is gaining global attention, especially after the success of films like Parasite and series like Squid Game.
What This Means for Korean Literature
This film deal could boost interest in Korean novels abroad. According to East-Asia Publishing, they have seen rising demand for science fiction titles from Korea. The success of A Thousand Blues may open doors for other authors.
For Cheon Seon-ran, this is a milestone. Her work will now reach more readers and viewers around the world. While no release date has been announced, fans are already excited to see how the story will be adapted for the big screen.
