'The Selection' is coming to theaters, hot on the heels of 'Hunger Games'
A novel series written by Kiera Cass, "The Selection" is set to invade multiplexes courtesy of Warner Bros, a studio still searching for a young-adult saga to replace Harry Potter, which concluded in 2011.
In an attempt to replicate the worldwide success of the J.K. Rowling adaptations, the studio is turning to another young-adult series, though one that is very close to another hit franchise, "The Hunger Games."
Similar to the adventures of Katniss Everdeen, "The Selection" is set in a post-apocalyptic America at war. Out of the ruins, a tiny monarchy named Illéa has risen, and rebels constantly threaten it.
In this somber and fragile atmosphere, the royal family organizes a lottery that will allow 35 poor young women to come live in the palace with the hope that one might win the heart of the prince and be crowned queen. America Singer gets selected, having been signed up by her mother despite her protests born out of a fear of being separated from her friend and forbidden love, Aspen. However, her encounter with Prince Maxon soon wipes away her hesitation.
A "Hunger Games" feel
Often described as a "'Hunger Games' without the bloodshed," "The Selection" does indeed have many similarities to the bestsellers by Suzanne Collins. The heroine, America Singer, has a rebellious spirit like Katniss and also gets stuck in a love triangle, with Aspen and Maxon. The same happened to the archer from District 12, hesitating between her best friend Gale and Peeta, whom she met during the Hunger Games.
The setting also resembles that of "The Hunger Games": an America ravaged by war, a kingdom, Illéa in this case, fighting a rebellion and the existence of privileged classes.
Already scouted by TV
In 2012, when the first novel came out, the CW tried to have "The Selection" adapted for the small screen. Two pilots were ordered, both unsuccessful since they never made it to air.
There is no indication if the actors selected at the time, Aimee Teegarden ("Friday Night Lights," "Scream 4") and Etha Peck ("Time Out"), will reprise their roles for the big screen -- highly unlikely since they were replaced for the second pilot, shot in 2013, by Yael Grobglas ("Jane the Virgin") and Michael Malarkey ("Vampire Diaries").
An epic futuristic romance, "The Selection" was followed by two more novels, "The Elite" and "The One." A fourth volume, the second to last in the saga, will be released on May 5.
