In a move that underscores its relentless appetite for compelling storytelling, Disney has secured the film rights to Rebecca Ross's beloved romantasy novel Divine Rivals. The acquisition comes after Paramount's option on the property lapsed, a casualty of the studio's merger with SkyDance. This development, first reported by Deadline, marks a fresh start for a project that had been generating significant buzz.
Divine Rivals, the first book in Ross's Letters of Enchantment duology, has become a phenomenon since its April 2023 release. With over one million copies sold and a fervent following on platforms like BookTok, the novel's blend of enemies-to-lovers romance and high-stakes fantasy has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. Its sequel, Ruthless Vows, arrived in December 2023, further cementing the series' popularity.
The story centers on Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt, two rival journalists at the Oath Gazette who find themselves locked in a fierce competition. But their rivalry takes an unexpected turn when Iris's letters to her missing brother—who vanished while fighting in a mystical war—mysteriously land in Roman's hands. This magical connection sparks an unlikely bond that could either save or doom them, all while they navigate a world torn apart by divine conflict.
When Paramount originally won the rights in a competitive bidding war in June 2025, Sofia Alvarez, known for adapting Netflix's To All the Boys I've Loved Before, was attached to write the screenplay. However, with the rights reverting, Alvarez's involvement has ended, and Disney is now on the hunt for a new writer to bring this enchanting tale to the big screen.
Disney's acquisition is a strategic fit, given the company's long history of blending fantasy and romance in its live-action adaptations. The studio has been actively expanding its slate of literary adaptations, and Divine Rivals offers a fresh, contemporary twist on the genre. The project will be developed under Disney Live Action, which has seen success with recent hits like their innovative Clay movie.
This move also highlights the competitive nature of Hollywood's IP landscape, where studios are eager to snap up properties with built-in fan bases. Paramount, meanwhile, is focusing on other major adaptations, such as Children of Blood and Bone, set for a 2027 release. Disney's acquisition of Divine Rivals could signal a new era for romantasy on the big screen, a genre that has been gaining traction in both publishing and film.
For fans of the book, the news is a reason to celebrate, as Disney's track record with fantasy epics suggests a faithful and visually stunning adaptation could be on the horizon. While details on casting and production timeline remain under wraps, the project is already generating excitement across social media, with readers eager to see Iris and Roman's story come to life.
As Disney continues to expand its portfolio, Divine Rivals stands out as a potential franchise starter, with the duology offering a complete narrative arc that could be adapted into a series of films. The studio's commitment to quality storytelling, combined with the book's passionate fanbase, makes this a promising addition to their upcoming slate.
