Who is directing the 'Red Rising' movie?

Francis Lawrence, known for directing multiple entries in the 'Hunger Games' franchise, has signed on to direct the film adaptation for Paramount.

Is author Pierce Brown involved in the 'Red Rising' film?

Yes, Pierce Brown is attached to the adaptation as an executive producer alongside the producing team.

Who is writing the screenplay for 'Red Rising'?

Screenwriter Justin Rhodes is adapting the novel into a feature script for Paramount.

TV & Film

Francis Lawrence Set to Direct 'Red Rising' Sci-Fi Movie for Paramount

The 'Hunger Games' director is heading back to a dystopian future with an adaptation of Pierce Brown's hit novel.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Oct 16, 2026Updated Oct 17, 20262 min read

Francis Lawrence cannot get enough of high-stakes dystopian revolutions. The filmmaker behind the bulk of the *Hunger Games* cinematic universe is officially heading to the Red Planet. Reports reveal that Lawrence has signed on to direct a big-screen adaptation of Pierce Brown's wildly popular sci-fi bestseller, *Red Rising*, currently in development at Paramount. The project keeps Lawrence firmly entrenched in sweeping, rebellious epics. He previously steered four cinematic installments of the smash Panem saga and is prepping another return to the arena with *The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping*, which is scheduled to premiere later this year. Shifting from the ruthless Districts to the harsh mines of Mars marks another massive world-building challenge for the veteran director.

What Is 'Red Rising' Actually About?

Set in a bleak, color-stratified future, the bestselling story centers on Darrow, a miner classified under the society's lowest caste, known as the Reds. Operating deep beneath the Martian soil, Darrow labors relentlessly under the belief that his daily sacrifices are slowly terraforming the planet so future generations can eventually thrive on the surface. However, a devastating betrayal completely shatters his reality. Darrow discovers that humanity actually conquered the Martian surface generations ago, living in luxury across sprawling cities and lavish green spaces while keeping his people trapped in perpetual servitude beneath the ground. That shocking discovery sparks a dangerous campaign to dismantle the deceptive, stratified empire from within.

Francis Lawrence and Pierce Brown in the story: Francis Lawrence Set to Direct 'Red Rising' Sci-Fi Movie for Paramount

Who Else Is Behind the 'Red Rising' Movie?

Paramount has locked in an experienced team to translate Brown's expansive planetary lore to theaters. Screenwriter Justin Rhodes has been tapped to pen the adaptation. Rhodes and Lawrence previously joined forces on an unproduced film version of the iconic video game *Bioshock*, and the duo is now ready to shepherd Darrow's revolution instead. Producing duties will be handled by Lawrence and Cameron MacConomy through their about.blank banner, alongside Francesco Goedhuis. Pierce Brown himself is also directly involved in the film, serving as an executive producer to ensure the adaptation stays true to the. With the creative pieces finally aligning, anticipation is building for the acclaimed sci-fi saga to make its long-awaited leap to theaters.