Toronto-based film and television production company Wildling Pictures and LA-based MXN Entertainment announced they will coproduce the new live-action feature film Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, based on Mariko Tamaki’s best-selling graphic novel.
Tommy Dorfman (13 Reasons Why, I Wish You All the Best) will direct the teen romantic comedy with the cast to be announced soon.
Laura Dean is the most popular girl in school and Frederica “Freddie” Riley’s dream girl. She has it all; charm, confidence, and charisma. But there’s one problem; Laura Dean keeps breaking up with her. The story follows Freddie’s journey to finding the courage to end her toxic relationship and regain her self-love, with the help of her best friends and a psychic.
Mariko Tamaki’s story is one of honest emotion, paired with powerful social commentary about the LQBTQIA+ experience. Tamaki’s pithy writing and vibrant illustrations have received global recognition, with the novel named one of TIMES’ 100 Best YA Books of All Time. In addition to her graphic novels, Tamaki has written for both Marvel and DC Comics, and she has twice been in the running for the Michael L. Printz Award. She is currently an Executive Story Editor on MONARCH: LEGACY OF MONSTERS for Apple and served as an Executive Story Editor on GOOSEBUMPS for Disney+.
Tommy Dorfman and her production company Down The Line Productions, focuses work on telling stories that give life to a range of interweaving and distinct queer experiences. As a filmmaker, she is in post-production on her debut film, I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST (starring Cole Sprouse, Alexandra Dadario, Lena Dunham and Corey Fogelmanis), and Tommy is developing projects at 5th Season and Anonymous Content.
“Mariko’s script adaptation is just as groundbreaking as her deeply moving graphic novel. This film is like the lovechild of John Hughes and Jamie Babbett with a fresh and honest perspective on love and queer chosen family. Reading the script for the first time, I was transported into the layered world she created and I can’t wait to bring this story to life for everybody to enjoy. “says Director Tommy Dorfman.
Matt Code at Wildling Pictures says, “We are delighted to be working with Tamaki, and the incredible Tommy Dorfman to bring this story to life which is reminiscent of a John Hughes high school classic, updated with an authentic and contemporary queer experience.”