Disney Officially Steals a Romantasy Franchise from Paramount

Disney has acquired the film rights to Rebecca Ross’s fantasy romance novel *Divine Rivals* after Paramount’s rights lapsed during its merger with Skydance. The move gives Disney the chance to develop a screen adaptation of a bestselling book with a substantial online following.

Published in April 2023, *Divine Rivals* has sold more than one million copies and is the first book in Ross’s *Letters of Enchantment* duology, followed by *Ruthless Vows*. The story centres on rival journalists Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt, whose magical connection begins when Roman receives letters Iris wrote to her missing brother. Sofia Alvarez, previously attached to write the screenplay for Paramount, is no longer committed, and Disney is seeking a new writer; the film is at an early stage.