Lionsgate has optioned the rights to the bestselling “Crossfire” series of romantic novels by Sylvia Day, it was announced today by Kevin Beggs, President of the Lionsgate Television Group, and Executive Vice President Chris Selak, who will oversee development for the studio.
The “Crossfire” franchise of adult novels has become a global phenomenon, selling over 12 million copies since its debut last year and topping bestseller lists in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Australia. “Entwined with You,” the third and most recent book in the series, sold over 550,000 copies in its first week alone, becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller. The second novel, “Reflected in You,” also debuted as a #1 New York Times bestseller and was Penguin UK’s fastest selling paperback ever. The first novel in the series, “Bared to You,” was named one of Amazon’s Top 10 Romances of 2012 and recently returned to the New York Times bestseller list.
“The ‘Crossfire’ series is an incredible property and it is a thrill to bring it to Lionsgate,” said Selak. “Sylvia has created an enduring, sexy and edgy story, and we’re looking forward to working with her to create a show that both excites and connects with audiences as her books have done.”
“I am thrilled to have Lionsgate as a partner on the ‘Crossfire’ series,” said Day. “This is a studio that has been incredibly successful with book adaptations and I can’t wait to collaborate with them in bringing the story to life.”
Lionsgate is home to the highly successful book-to-television series “Orange is the New Black” which debuted on Netflix to critical acclaim in July and was picked up for a second season before its premiere. The studio also produces the blockbuster movie franchises “Hunger Games” and “Twilight” which have collectively grossed more than $4 billion at the box office worldwide.
The project was brought to Lionsgate by producers Jeremy Bolt of Impact Pictures (Resident Evil, Pompeii) and Stephanie Johnson of Clover Entertainment, Inc.
The “Crossfire” series centers on Eva Tramell , a young up-and comer in the advertising world, and billionaire businessman, Gideon Cross who are both trying to overcome their devastating and abusive pasts. As they are intensely drawn to one another, both physically and emotionally, the two must find a way to heal each other in order to move on and establish a healthy romantic relationship.
