Lionsgate is once again teaming up with Blake Lively on a new feature, picking up the Tom Melia-written action romantic comedy The Survival List as a starring and producing vehicle for the actress.
Lively, known primarily for her parts in The Shallows, The Age of Adaline, and the latest Another Simple Favor sequel, will not only star in the film but take on a producing role as well, increasing her off-screen creative work.
The series focuses on Annie, a urbane reality TV producer begrudgingly tasked with leading a new survival-based program hosted by Chopper Lane, a smooth-talking but dubious survivalist. When a shipwreck leaves Annie and Chopper stranded on a remote island, Annie soon discovers that Chopper is a fake who possesses no actual survival skills. Plunged into a matter-of-life-and-death scenario, Annie has to step up, with the reluctant pair learning to trust one another. As obstacles escalate, their uncomfortable alliance turns into a surprise romantic bond, balancing humor with action-based survival stakes.
Marc Platt, Oscar-nominated producer of the Wicked films and upcoming live-action How to Train Your Dragon, is in negotiations to produce with Lively. Lionsgate development will be overseen by Lionsgate executive Scott O’Brien. Platt’s recent productions have been a success, with Wicked taking in more than $756 million worldwide and How to Train Your Dragon collecting over $626 million in global box office.
Lively’s professional life continues to be characterized by courageous decisions both in front of and behind the camera. Most recently, she was in the news not just for her work acting but also for a legal battle with director Justin Baldoni over their Sony success It Ends With Us. Despite that, Lively is still a bankable and sought-after star. She was last spotted reprising her part in Amazon MGM Studios and Lionsgate’s Another Simple Favor, again directed by Paul Feig and featuring Anna Kendrick. That movie came out on Prime Video in May after its initial release at SXSW, solidifying her continued partnership with Lionsgate.
For author Tom Melia, The Survival List is another major project. Melia has been acclaimed for his unique voice in British television and film, most notably co-writing Rye Lane. The movie opened at the Sundance Film Festival to positive reception and was subsequently nominated for Outstanding British Film at the 2024 BAFTAs. Rye Lane also picked up 16 nominations at the British Independent Film Awards, marking Melia’s growing reputation as a screenwriter. His other credits include The Sky drama series Brassic and the Sky comedy Bloods.
Lionsgate’s pairing of Lively with Melia’s script is a testament to the studio’s ongoing commitment to ventures that bring star power together with new writing talent. With the film market registering increased viewership interest in romantic comedies that mix laughs with action or high-concept situations, The Survival List is set up as a commercially viable venture.
Production information and release dates are pending, but with the talent involved and Lionsgate’s excellent record for creating franchises and blockbusters, The Survival List is already generating interest as one of the most highly anticipated projects in the works. For Lively, it’s another chance to marry her on-screen presence with her off-screen vision, solidifying her as both Hollywood star and producer forging her own way in the business.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
