Spec Script Deal: “Ruthless”

Amblin Entertainment acquires action spec script “Ruthless” written by John Swetnam. From Deadline:

Amblin Partners just won an auction for Ruthless, a female-driven action spec script by John Swetnam that had producers and studios going all week. San Andreas helmer Brad Peyton is attached to direct.

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The spec came out right as John Wick: Chapter 2 was scoring big at the box office, and buyers found it a close cousin, with a female protagonist. Here’s the logline: When a legendary retired assassin is diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, she must return to the life she left behind and complete one final job in order to secure a future for her young daughter. There are twists along the way.

Several things:

• Female leads in traditional male roles continues to flex its muscle in the project acquisition marketplace.
• Paradigm is killing it in the spec market this year, “Reckless” marking their 5th deal in 2017.
• I’ve known John Swetnam since 2010. He is a talented writer, a really hard worker, and an all-around great guy. This deal is reportedly in the mid-to-high six figure range. Dude deserves it.

Swetnam is repped by Paradigm and Industry Entertainment.

By my count, this is the 9th spec script deal in 2017.

There were 8 spec script deals year-to-date in 2016.