Shonda Rhimes & Matt Reeves to develop Blake Crouch’s Recursion for Netflix

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

While there is much uncertainty floating about in the world today, I find it comforting to know that at least a few constants still exist. As an example, you can always count on Netflix to announce something new and exciting for their premiere streaming service. On Thursday, the online giant announced that they've acquired the rights to international bestselling author Blake Crouch’s book RECURSION, with the intent to adapt the novel's unique sci-fi universe as a feature film as well as a television universe.

Heading up this massive endeavor are Shonda Rhimes (SCANDAL) and Betsy Beer’s Shondaland and Matt Reeves’ 6th & Idaho banner.

Here's the official synopsis as per the Netflix press release:

At once a relentless save-the-world sci-fi thriller, an epic romance, and an intricate police procedural,  “Recursion” explores what happens when a brilliant female scientist invents a powerful technology that allows people not just to reactivate their most visceral memories but to reinvent them entirely.  For some, it offers the chance to rewrite their entire lives.  In the wrong hands, it will upend the world as we know it.

In talking about adapting Crouch's enigmatic novel, Rhimes stated that “Projects like this are why I came to Netflix." She then added “The opportunity to explore a multi-genre universe in innovative ways is extremely exciting.  Matt and Blake both have the tremendous ability to build compelling characters and imaginative landscapes and I am thrilled to work alongside them.”

Matt Reeves then added his own thoughts to the topic at hand by saying “Blake’s mind-bending novel presents an incredible opportunity to explore its expansive narrative simultaneously through both film and television.” Reeves then elaboratd by adding, "Netflix is uniquely suited for this ambitious undertaking and I can’t imagine a more exciting partner than the astonishingly talented Shonda Rhimes whose work I have admired for years.”

“I have been a fan of Shonda’s and Matt’s work going back years,” said Crouch. “To have these titans of television and film working on something of mine is an incredible honor, and Netflix is the pitch-perfect home for people who want to adapt film and TV in the most innovative way possible.”

Meanwhile, Reeves is still hard at work developing THE BATMAN, which is reportedly set to star Ben Affleck as the World's Greatest Detective. Joining him for Reeve's bat-flick is Joe Manganiello as Slade Wilson a.k.a. Deathstroke, with J.K. Simmons as Comissioner Gordon and Jeremy Irons as Alfred Pennyworth both rumored to star as well.