Universal scoops up the rights to Jen Wang’s The Prince and the Dressmaker

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Ah, there's nothing finer than waking up to great news. This morning, I found out that my favorite graphic novel of the year (so far), THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER, has had its feature rights snagged by Universal and Marc Platt. The graphic novel created by Jen Wang and published by First Second is an eye-opening fantasy tale with YA elements that is sure to turn a few heads.

Here is the official synopsis courtesy of the uplifting graphic novel:

Paris, at the dawn of the modern age:

Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride—or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia—the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances—one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend?

The book, while dabbling in the realms of responsibility, expectation, and tradition, steadily becomes a celebration of one's identity, of compassion, and how true love can transcend gender-normatives that are pushed upon the young. It's an unconventional tale that has several delightful twists, and in more ways than one, exceeded my expectations upon a first read. In fact, the first words out of my mouth when I put the book down were: "Wow, I want to see this as a movie." And now, it looks like I, and others like me who've enjoyed the novel, could have that chance.

THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER is available wherever graphic novels are sold.