‘Pen15’ Co-Creator Sam Zvibleman to Adapt Anika Jade Levy Novel ‘Flat Earth’ for Vice Studios (Exclusive)
He'll also direct the pilot.
This report comes from Hollywood Reporter. The story centres on ‘Pen15’ Co-Creator Sam Zvibleman to Adapt Anika Jade Levy Novel ‘Flat Earth’ for Vice
Read Full Story at Hollywood Reporter →Why This Matters
This deal signals a bold pivot for Vice Studios toward projects that blend sharp social satire with grounded storytelling, a shift that could redefine the platform’s identity in a crowded streaming landscape. By entrusting a high-profile creator like Sam Zvibleman—known for pushing boundaries in comedy—to adapt a rising literary voice, Vice is betting on a fusion of prestige and subversion.
Background Context
Vice Studios has oscillated between edgy documentaries and scripted projects, but its fiction efforts have often struggled to match the cultural impact of its nonfiction work. Meanwhile, Anika Jade Levy’s debut novel *Flat Earth* has quietly gained traction in literary circles for its razor-sharp critique of modern alienation, making it a ripe candidate for adaptation.
What Happens Next
The pilot phase will be critical in determining whether Zvibleman can translate the novel’s nuanced tone to screen without losing its edge, and whether Vice can break out of its niche with broader appeal. Industry watchers will also be keen to see if this signals a wave of literary adaptations from underrepresented voices.
Bigger Picture
This move reflects a growing industry trend of streaming platforms seeking out hyper-specific voices to stand out, even as they face pressure to scale content. It also highlights the rising crossover appeal of books that blend genre and literary fiction—a space where Vice’s experimental DNA could thrive.
