The project was announced with a clear mandate: visceral, dangerous, and unapologetically feminine. Director Kari Skogland is launching her new production banner, Take A Trip Media, with a feature adaptation of Ava Reid’s gothic bestseller Lady Macbeth.

It is a high-profile start. Skogland, known for her work on The Handmaid’s Tale, has tapped Oscar-nominated screenwriter Emma Donoghue to pen the script. Donoghue, the writer behind the acclaimed Room, is tasked with translating Reid’s 2024 novel—a book that found a massive, organic following on BookTok—into a cinematic experience.

Why This Matters Now

Studios are increasingly looking to the "BookTok" ecosystem for intellectual property that comes with a built-in, highly engaged audience. Reid’s novel isn't just a retelling; it is a feminist subversion of Shakespeare’s most famous villain. By framing the story through the lens of a young noblewoman trapped in a brutal, patriarchal medieval system, the project taps into a current appetite for dark, character-driven period pieces. It is a calculated bet on a proven literary hit.

A New Banner’s First Move

Take A Trip Media, co-founded by Skogland and Mackenzie Munro, is positioning itself to focus on literary adaptations and original projects. For a new company, the choice of Lady Macbeth is a statement of intent. It signals a preference for projects with a "singular pulse."

Curious Gremlin, the production house behind The Testament of Ann Lee, is partnering on the film. The team of Scott Aharoni, Sinan Eczacibasi, and Alihan Yalicindag will produce alongside Skogland and Munro. They are not looking for safe bets. They are looking for complexity.

The Creative Pedigree

Skogland’s resume is heavy on prestige television, including The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the upcoming Apple TV+ thriller 12 12 12. Donoghue’s involvement adds a layer of literary weight. Her ability to handle claustrophobic, intense narratives—as seen in Room—is likely the exact tone the producers want for a story about a woman navigating a system designed to crush her.

The Market Context

Ava Reid has become a powerhouse in the gothic fantasy space, with titles like A Study in Drowning already establishing her brand. The film industry is currently in a cycle of re-evaluating its relationship with established IP. Rather than chasing massive franchises, there is a renewed interest in "prestige genre"—films that offer high-concept hooks with smaller, more focused budgets.

Key Takeaways

  • Kari Skogland is launching her new production company, Take A Trip Media, with this adaptation as its inaugural project.
  • Emma Donoghue, the Oscar-nominated writer of Room, is set to adapt Ava Reid’s 2024 bestseller.
  • The film is a feminist reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, focusing on the titular character’s struggle for survival and power in a medieval setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is directing the film?

Kari Skogland, known for her work on The Handmaid’s Tale and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, is set to direct.

Who is writing the screenplay?

Emma Donoghue, the Oscar-nominated author and screenwriter of Room, is attached to write the adaptation.

What is the source material?

The film is based on the 2024 New York Times bestseller Lady Macbeth by author Ava Reid, a gothic feminist retelling of the Shakespearean play.

Which production companies are involved?

Take A Trip Media, Skogland’s new banner, is producing the film in partnership with Curious Gremlin.

The Road Ahead

With the creative team now in place, the project moves into the development phase. The next major milestone will be casting. Given the intensity of the source material, the role of Lady Macbeth will be one of the most sought-after parts in the industry. Expect news on lead casting to emerge as the script nears completion in the coming months.