Last year, Darren Aronofsky signed up to direct an intriguing novel adaptation, in the form of Jason Matthews spy thriller novel Red Sparrow. In recent events, Heat Vision are reporting Aronofsky has since left the project, and is currently seeking other work. Fox are still optimistic about the project, and are now focusing on finding a writer to adapt said novel, perhaps looking to keep the door open for Aronofsky to change his mind, if he so chooses. It’s currently unknown what Aronofsky will follow up his religious epic Noah with.
Here’s the synopsis for Jason Matthews’ novel…
“In present-day Russia, ruled by blue-eyed, unblinking President Vladimir Putin, Russian intelligence officer Dominika Egorova struggles to survive in the post-Soviet intelligence jungle. Ordered against her will to become a “Sparrow,” a trained seductress, Dominika is assigned to operate against Nathaniel Nash, a young CIA officer who handles the Agency’s most important Russian mole.
As the action careens between Russia, Finland, Greece, Italy, and the United States, Dominika and Nate soon collide in a duel of wills, tradecraft, and—inevitably—forbidden passion that threatens not just their lives but those of others as well. As secret allegiances are made and broken, Dominika and Nate’s game reaches a deadly crossroads. Soon one of them begins a dangerous double existence in a life-and-death operation that consumes intelligence agencies from Moscow to Washington, DC.“
Originally published January 17, 2014. Updated April 11, 2018.