Red Planet to adapt James Goodhand’s YA novel Last Lesson as TV drama

London-based prodco Red Planet Pictures has acquired the screen rights to Last Lesson, the debut novel from James Goodhand, with Scottish writer Stephen Greenhorn (River City) on board to pen a TV adaptation.

James Goodhand

Published in 2020, young-adult novel Last Lesson examines the psychological breakdown of a model student and talented musician after he is involved in a horrific accident. Now bullied by everyone, he plots his revenge in the form of a pipe bomb.

Red Planet, led by MD Belinda Campbell, recently completed filming on Our House, an adaptation of the bestselling psychological thriller by Louise Candlish for ITV. The show has been picked up by Kiwi broadcaster TVNZ.

The prodco is also currently developing adaptations of Megan Hunter‘s The Harpy and Antony Johnston’s The Exphoria Code. In addition, it recently coproduced Serbian series Besa for local streamer Adrenalin.

Campbell said: “As soon as I started reading Last Lesson, I absolutely knew it would be perfect for TV. It’s written in such a visual and visceral way and is utterly gripping, moving and thrilling; it’s unputdownable.

“This is a slight departure for us to be working on something that’s rooted in the world of young adult, but I’m thrilled that James Goodhand has entrusted his incredible story to us. And with Stephen Greenhorn on board to adapt this edge-of-your-seat thriller, we couldn’t have a better team to bring it to life.”