Teton Ridge Entertainment has acquired the rights to “Lonesome Dove,” Larry McMurtry‘s sprawling series of novels about the American West. The deal was made between the entertainment company and the author’s estate and covers all rights except publishing, which remain with the novels’ publisher, Simon and Schuster.
In a release announcing the pact, Teton Ridge announced that development will begin with the first book in the series, “Lonesome Dove,” followed by the rest of the tetralogy, including “Streets of Laredo,” “Dead Man’s Walk” and “Comanche Moon.” The novels focus on members of the Texas Ranger Division, spanning from when Texas was a republic until the start of the 20th century when it was part of the U.S. The books could inspire a series of films or shows — or both.
Thomas Tull and Jillian Share from Teton Ridge Entertainment will produce, as will Jon Jashni, the veteran producer and media investor; Curtis McMurtry, the author’s grandson; and Diana Ossana, his long-time writing and producing partner. McMurty, who also wrote “The Last Picture Show” and “Terms of Endearment,” died in 2021.
“Lonesome Dove” was a literary phenomenon when it was released in 1986, spending 24 consecutive weeks in the New York Times bestseller list for hardcovers and 28 consecutive weeks in paperback. It sold more than four million copies, won the Pulitzer and was adapted into a 1989 miniseries that starred Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. That program attracted an estimated 26 million viewers and won a Peabody, seven Emmys, two Golden Globes and two Television Critics Association Awards, among other prizes.
Teton Ridge Entertainment, led by president Jillian Share, produces films and television series, both scripted and unscripted, that look at the American West and its legacy. The company is owned by TWG Global, a holding company co-chaired by Mark Walter and Tull.
Tull, the founder of Legendary Entertainment, which he sold to Wanda in 2016, was described as the “driving force” in the “Lonesome Dove” deal.
“’Lonesome Dove’ is an epic work that perfectly embodies the enduring spirit of the American West,” Tull said. “We are immensely grateful to the McMurtry estate for partnering with Teton Ridge Entertainment to bring its timeless themes to new generations of viewers.”
“We are dedicated to bringing to life diverse stories within the western genre with authenticity and soul, and are honored that the McMurtry estate has entrusted us with what we see as one of the most important properties in entertainment history,” said Share. “’Lonesome Dove’s’ unprecedented success epitomizes the potential for a great American story to move audiences and bring people together, as well as the widespread and eternal demand for stories that entertain, inspire and celebrate our country’s pioneering spirit. We look forward to reintroducing viewers to Gus and Call, Lorena, Jake, Deets and the many other beloved characters of this epic of the American West.”
“’Lonesome Dove’ has always been cinematic in scope (and indeed, began its life as a screenplay before being rewritten as a novel),” said Curtis McMurtry, referencing a planned film of Peter Bogdanovich’s that never came to pass. “I am glad that this story will once again be adapted for the screen to be experienced by new audiences and long-time fans alike.”
“Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call ARE Larry McMurtry,” said Ossana. “Those characters are an amalgam of Larry the man. I cannot conceive of more passionate and fitting stewards for reimagining Larry’s beloved ‘Lonesome Dove’ universe than Thomas Tull and Teton Ridge Entertainment.”
The McMurtry Estate is represented by Craig Barker and Sally Helppie; Teton Ridge Entertainment is represented by Vincent Chieffo and Steven Peña; and Ossana is represented by Robert Thorne, UTA and Anonymous Content.
