Charlie Kaufman Set to Adapt ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ for Netflix

Kaufman previously adapted Susan Orlean’s “The Orchid Thief” (which became “Adaptation”) and the Chuck Barris memoir “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind”

charlie kaufman

Charlie Kaufman (“Being John Malkovich,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” and “Anomalisa”) is set to write and direct a film adaptation of Iain Reid’s internationally best-selling novel “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” for Netflix, the company announced on Thursday.

Kaufman previously adapted Susan Orlean’s “The Orchid Thief” (which became “Adaptation”) and the Chuck Barris memoir “Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.”

Named an NPR Best Book of the Year in 2016, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” examines the fragility of the psyche and the limitations of solitude. On a road trip to meet his parents on their secluded farm, Jake’s girlfriend is thinking of ending things. When Jake makes an unexpected detour, leaving her stranded, a twisted mix of palpable tension, psychological frailty and sheer terror ensues.

The film is a Likely Story production. Likely Story’s Anthony Bregman and Stefanie Azpiazu are producing along with Kaufman. Reid will serve as co-producer. This new project reunites Kaufman with his frequent collaborator Bregman, who previously produced “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Synecdoche, New York,” and “Human Nature.”

Reid’s debut novel is currently published in 17 territories and received positive reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal and Booklist.

“Charlie is a singular talent with a formidable artistic vision. He has the rare ability to tell unique stories in a universal way. ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’ is a chilling thriller and we can’t wait to share Charlie’s adaptation with audiences everywhere,” said Scott Stuber, head of Netflix’s film group.

Kaufman is repped by WME. Reid is represented by Paradigm on behalf of Samantha Haywood of Transatlantic Agency.

Comments