Rebecca Ross’s fantasy romance novel Divine Rivals is getting a new opportunity for a live-action adaptation as Disney has acquired the rights from an expired Paramount deal. However, Disney is yet to reveal the exact details of its plans for the project’s development and release.
Disney acquires rights to fantasy romance movie, Divine Rivals
Disney is developing a live-action adaptation of Rebecca Ross’s fantasy romance novel Divine Rivals after obtaining the rights to the book, Deadline reports. The acquisition brings the project to a new studio following the expiration of Paramount’s rights. Disney will start the adaptation from scratch, leaving Paramount’s earlier development work behind.
The change in ownership will bring a new screenwriter on board, but two producers from the Paramount project will remain involved. Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Pouya Shahbazian are still attached to produce the film, with Ross joining Stephen Shafer as an executive producer. Allison Erlikhman, Disney’s Senior Vice President of Production, is overseeing the project. The studio has not yet confirmed whether the adaptation is intended for a theatrical release or will premiere on Disney+.
Paramount secured the rights in June 2025 after competing with other bidders. Sofia Alvarez was brought on to adapt the novel. However, Paramount’s rights to the book subsequently expired, allowing Disney to take over the adaptation.
First published in April 2023, Divine Rivals launched Ross’s Letters of Enchantment series. The novel follows two rival journalists who form a romantic bond through a mysterious magical connection while a devastating war between gods unfolds around them. Their relationship develops as they confront forces that threaten their world and their chance at a future together.
Ross continued their story in Ruthless Vows, which arrived in December 2023. The books have attracted a substantial readership, with Divine Rivals selling more than one million copies. As of now, details about the film project’s cast, production schedule, and release plans have not yet been announced.
