James Cameron to Adapt The Devils by Joe Abercrombie for the Big Screen
Fans of dark fantasy have reason to celebrate: legendary director James Cameron is set to adapt Joe Abercrombie’s latest novel, The Devils, for the big screen. The announcement came in June 2025 through Cameron’s production company, Lightstorm Entertainment, and was confirmed by both Abercrombie’s official website and major international media outlets like Empire, Moviefone, and Hypebeast.
What Is The Devils?
The Devils, released in May 2025, marks a bold new direction for Abercrombie. Set in an alternate medieval Europe, humanity faces a terrifying threat: flesh-eating elves—more nightmare than fairytale. The only hope for survival? A pact with a group of monsters—vampires, werewolves, necromancers, and more—united by faith and led by the charismatic but doomed Brother Diaz, a priest on a far-from-heroic mission.
Check out our review of The Devils
James Cameron’s Vision for the Adaptation
Cameron will serve as screenwriter and producer of the film adaptation. While he is not yet confirmed as the director, his involvement in the scriptwriting process indicates a strong commitment to the project. In an interview with Empire, Cameron revealed that he’s a longtime fan of Joe Abercrombie, particularly his First Law trilogy.
“The Devils is a sharp, stylish, and twisted horror-fantasy adventure with massive visual potential,” said Cameron. He describes Abercrombie’s prose as “cinematic by nature,” filled with vivid descriptions, dynamic pacing, and dialogue that “feels like it’s ripped straight from a screenplay.”
When Can We Expect the Movie?
First, Cameron must complete Avatar 3: Fire and Ash, slated for release on December 19, 2025. According to Moviefone and Bloody Disgusting, development on The Devils will begin in 2026, with production likely to start by late 2026 or early 2027.
Why This Adaptation Matters
The Devils taps into several key trends in modern fantasy and cinema:
- Antiheroes and morally gray protagonists
- Gothic elements infused with humor and satire
- Visually rich world-building tailor-made for cinematic storytelling
- A blend of horror and high-stakes adventure—genres Cameron excels in
This makes the project both commercially viable and creatively ambitious—an increasingly rare combination in today’s franchise-heavy film landscape.
The screen adaptation of The Devils promises to be one of the defining fantasy events of the decade. The combination of Joe Abercrombie’s narrative brilliance and James Cameron’s visual storytelling could result in a fantasy universe destined for cult status. In an era oversaturated with comic-book adaptations and endless sequels, The Devils offers something darker, smarter, and undeniably fresh.
