Los Angeles, CA – Avatar Entertainment has acquired the film rights to Paul A. Mendelson's novel 'Seville', a sci-fi-infused romantic comedy that blends time travel with marital reconciliation, setting the stage for a feature film adaptation.
The deal, announced exclusively by Deadline, brings together the London- and Los Angeles-based production company with the acclaimed author and screenwriter, who has penned a screenplay based on his 2023 book. Avatar founder Larry Robinson will produce the project, while UK director George Siougas, fresh off his BAFTA- and Oscar-shortlisted 2024 film 'The One Note Man', is attached to helm the adaptation.
At the heart of 'Seville' is the story of William and Luisa, a middle-aged couple whose marriage has grown stale over three decades. Hoping to reignite their spark, they return to Seville, Spain, during Semana Santa, or Holy Week, the very city where they honeymooned 30 years earlier. But their trip takes an unexpected turn as they begin encountering time-bending visions of their younger selves, forcing them to confront deep-seated regrets and the painful losses that eroded their bond.
The Book Guild, the publisher of the novel, has described 'Seville' as “a magical, bittersweet romantic comedy of love and time,” praising its ability to weave heartfelt emotion with speculative elements. Mendelson, speaking from his base in the UK, brings a wealth of experience to the project, having authored six other novels including 'The Forever Moment', 'On the Matter of Isabel', and 'Losing Arthur'.
His television credits further underscore his versatility in storytelling. Mendelson has written episodes for beloved BBC comedies such as 'May to December', 'My Hero', and 'So Haunt Me', showcasing his knack for blending humor with human drama—qualities that seem tailor-made for 'Seville''s genre mashup.
Robinson, expressing enthusiasm from Los Angeles, highlighted the project's potential in a statement to Deadline. “I am excited to have acquired Mendelson’s highly acclaimed novel, 'Seville', and to be working with him as the screenwriter on this wonderful project,” he said. “Further, George Siougas is the perfect director to bring this magical story to life onscreen. Appealing equally to romance, comedy, and sci-fi enthusiasts, the film adaptation of 'Seville' will captivate global audiences, expanding upon its favorable reception as a novel.”
Siougas, whose directorial debut 'The One Note Man' earned critical acclaim for its poignant exploration of artistry and loss, brings a sophisticated visual style to the table. The film's shortlisting for both BAFTA and Oscar recognition in 2024 positions him as a rising talent capable of handling 'Seville''s temporal twists and emotional depth.
Avatar Entertainment, known for its aggressive pursuit of literary adaptations, has been on a buying spree in recent years. In 2025 alone, the company signed for the rights to Katy Hogan's novel 'Out of the Darkness', a tale of resilience amid tragedy. It also acquired the bestselling Spanish thriller 'Operation Kazan' by journalist Vicente Valles, which is currently being adapted by screenwriters Borja Moreno and Pablo Riquelme Cuartero.
The company's portfolio extends to romance with Leesa Cross-Smith's Paris-set 'Half Blown Rose', action with Robert Enright's 'Sam Pope' thriller series—now eyed for a TV adaptation—and even biography, having secured Mary V. Dearborn's acclaimed life of Ernest Hemingway for a television series.
This latest acquisition underscores Avatar's strategy of diversifying across genres, from high-stakes thrillers to intimate dramas. Mendelson and Siougas are both managed by Avatar, with Mendelson additionally represented by Futerman Rose and Associates in the UK, and Siougas by The Agency in London. The alignment of creative talents under one roof could streamline production, though details on casting, budget, or a release timeline remain under wraps.
For Mendelson, the adaptation marks a full-circle moment. Having transitioned from television scripting to novels, his return to screenwriting with a project rooted in his own prose highlights the fluidity of modern storytelling. Industry observers note that the novel's reception—warmly received for its innovative take on second chances—positions it well for cinematic appeal, especially in a market hungry for feel-good stories with a speculative edge.
Seville itself, with its labyrinthine streets, flamenco rhythms, and annual Holy Week processions, provides a vivid backdrop that could translate strikingly to film. The city's UNESCO-listed historic center, alive with religious fervor during Semana Santa, has long inspired artists and writers, from Federico García Lorca to contemporary filmmakers. Siougas, with his British-Greek heritage, may infuse the production with a European sensibility, potentially shooting on location to capture the authentic atmosphere.
As Avatar continues to build its slate, the 'Seville' adaptation joins a wave of book-to-screen projects that have dominated recent Hollywood announcements. From Netflix's literary grabs to indie studios like A24 championing genre blends, the trend reflects publishers' growing leverage in an era of streaming competition. Yet, not all adaptations succeed; sources close to the industry caution that balancing sci-fi elements with romance requires precise execution to avoid alienating audiences.
Robinson's comments suggest confidence in the team's ability to navigate those waters. By attaching a director with awards buzz early, Avatar signals serious intent, potentially fast-tracking the project toward festivals or a wide release. For now, fans of Mendelson's work can anticipate how the novel's intimate regrets and temporal loops will unfold on the big screen.
Looking ahead, Avatar's expansion into global stories—like the Spanish-flavored 'Operation Kazan' and now 'Seville'—hints at ambitions beyond English-language markets. With production hubs in London and Los Angeles, the company is well-placed to attract international talent and financing. As details emerge on casting—perhaps drawing actors adept at both comedy and pathos—the project could become a sleeper hit, bridging the gap between niche literary fiction and mainstream entertainment.
In an industry still recovering from pandemic disruptions, acquisitions like this offer a beacon of optimism. Mendelson's novel, born from personal reflections on time and love, arrives at a moment when audiences crave narratives of renewal. Whether 'Seville' resonates as profoundly in cinemas as it did in pages remains to be seen, but Avatar's track record suggests it's in capable hands.