For a novel that has been described as “Eurovision in space,” it was only a matter of time before Space Opera—Catherynne M. Valente’s glittery intergalactic adventure in which the fate of the human race hinges on their ability to rock—made it to the silver screen. Deadline reports that Universal Pictures has optioned the movie rights, with La La Land’s Marc Platt producing alongside Colin Trevorrow.
Valente also shared the exciting news on Twitter:
The sentient cat is out of the galactic bag.
SPACE OPERA IS GONNA BE A MOVIE! https://t.co/uil5o02kcZ
— Catherynne M. Valente (@catvalente) May 31, 2018
The team at Universal/Marc Platt Productions are an amazing group of people who are variously responsible for Jurassic World, La La Land, Drive, and Wicked, which couldn't be more perfect. I'm so stunned and happy this has happened to my absurd little book! #SpaceOperaMovie
— Catherynne M. Valente (@catvalente) May 31, 2018
More about the book, which was recently published by Saga Press:
A century ago, the Sentience Wars tore the galaxy apart and nearly ended the entire concept of intelligent space-faring life. In the aftermath, a curious tradition was invented—something to cheer up everyone who was left and bring the shattered worlds together in the spirit of peace, unity, and understanding.
Once every cycle, the great galactic civilizations gather for the Metagalactic Grand Prix—part gladiatorial contest, part beauty pageant, part concert extravaganza, and part continuation of the wars of the past. Species far and wide compete in feats of song, dance and/or whatever facsimile of these can be performed by various creatures who may or may not possess, in the traditional sense, feet, mouths, larynxes, or faces. And if a new species should wish to be counted among the high and the mighty, if a new planet has produced some savage group of animals, machines, or algae that claim to be, against all odds, sentient? Well, then they will have to compete. And if they fail? Sudden extermination for their entire species.
This year, though, humankind has discovered the enormous universe. And while they expected to discover a grand drama of diplomacy, gunships, wormholes, and stoic councils of aliens, they have instead found glitter, lipstick, and electric guitars. Mankind will not get to fight for its destiny—they must sing.
Decibel Jones and the Absolute Zeroes have been chosen to represent their planet on the greatest stage in the galaxy. And the fate of Earth lies in their ability to rock.
And find out how the Metagalactic Grand Prix came to be by reading an excerpt.
Who do you want to see as Decibel Jones and other competitors? What kinds of musical numbers must be included? Will there be room for a love song à la “City of Stars”? (“Galaxy of Stars”?)
One more bit of sweetness from Valente:
Some of you know how much I love movies, how much they are my blood and heart.
I CAN'T FREAKING BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING!
And because I'm a dork, I just quietly think: see, Dess? People like you. It's okay, mate. #SpaceOperaMovie
— Catherynne M. Valente (@catvalente) May 31, 2018
In my head, Decibel Jones is Rhys Ifans. That’s all I can come up with for now.
LATVIA WAS ROBBED!
(sorrry. eurovision flashback)
@1. lewaah
Oooooooh, that’s good.
I just had a vision of the 1980s “Howard the Duck” movie pop into my head. Last time I saw music-meets-sci-fi on screen, I guess. Brrr. Although “Scooby-Doo Meets KISS” is actually not that bad.
OH, MY GOD!
I’d like to point out that “has been optioned” and “will be adapted” are two very different stages of Hollywood workflow. Part (A) is a nice financial bonus for the author, but there’s a lot of filtering that usually prevents Part (b) from actually happening.
Wait, didn’t Rick and Morty do this? SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE GOT. “Get Schwifty”, season 2 episode 5, August 2015.
I know that not everything that gets optioned gets made but I don’t CARE I want this so bad.
I want Dess seducing a blue flamingo in the biggest, boldest, CGI we can find. I time-traveling red panda equivalent of PEtra Mede in sequins. I want to see the total horror of sentience-judging superiors confronted by a talking cat. I want an anthem for, by, and about Dess’s grandma. I want her in every part of it like a recursive Eurovision performance. I want an operatic BLOWOUT of Oort’s what-I-should-be-doing-on-Saturday-night tantrum. I NEED THESE THINGS. MAKE THE MOVIE AND TAKE MY MONEY ALREADY.
I wonder what the estate of Jack Vance will have to say about this.
Given that the ISFDB knows about two novels, three anthologies, eleven stories, and two poems with the exact same title, I’d say the answer is: Not much.
Russel Brand as Des would be amazing
https://youtu.be/rm5MDenG5QY