Amazon MGM Studios Acquires YA Fantasy Bestseller 'A Stage Set For Villains'

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Amazon MGM Studios has acquired the rights to 'A Stage Set for Villains', the debut novel from writer Shannon J. Spann, which debuted at the top of the New York Times' Young Adult Hardcover bestseller list. The book will be developed into a feature film, with Liz Pelletier and Sherryl Clark's Premeditated production company set to produce the adaptation as part of their first-look deal with the studio.

Why it matters

The acquisition of 'A Stage Set for Villains' continues Amazon MGM Studios' push into adapting popular YA fantasy and sci-fi novels for the big screen, building on the success of recent book-to-film projects like 'Dragon Cursed' and 'Shield of Sparrows'. The deal also highlights the growing influence of independent publishers like Entangled in bringing new literary voices to Hollywood.

The details

Published by Entangled Publishing, 'A Stage Set for Villains' follows a cursed teen who infiltrates a mysterious theater run by deadly godlike beings where mortals compete for immortality in a lethal competition. As the protagonist delves deeper into the theater, the fabric of her reality begins to unravel. Premeditated's Liz Pelletier and Sherryl Clark will produce the feature adaptation, with Cayla Tyne overseeing development.

• The book was published on February 3, 2026.
• It debuted at the top of the New York Times' Young Adult Hardcover bestseller list in its opening week.

What’s next

Premeditated and Entangled/Mayhem will work closely with Amazon MGM Studios to develop the 'A Stage Set for Villains' feature adaptation, with Cayla Tyne overseeing the process.