Legendary gets their paws on My Boyfriend is a Bear graphic novel rights

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

GRAH! Legendary has optioned the worldwide rights to MY BOYFRIEND IS A BEAR, which in my opinion is one of the most enchanting graphic novels of the year. Published by Oni Press, the story penned by MOANA co-writer Pamela Ribon with art by Cat Farris is a bear meet girl tale for the ages.

Here's the book's official synopsis:

Nora has bad luck with men. When she meets an (actual) bear on a hike in the Los Angeles hills, he turns out to be the best romantic partner she ever had! He's considerate, he's sweet, he takes care of her. But he's a bear, and winning over her friends and family is difficult. Not to mention he has to hibernate all winter. Can true love conquer all?

Adapting the screenplay is Ribon herself, who will also executive produce alongside Alex Hertzberg. Legendary is also on board to produce with the help of Joe Nozemack, James Lucas Jones, and Charlie Chu of Oni Entertainment, accompanying Ribon and Herzberg in their roles as executive producers. Making certain that production goes smoothly over at Legendary will be Jon Silk and Ali Mendes.

As an award-winning screenwriter and one of Variety's 10 Screenwriters to watch, Ribon has lent her talents to THE SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE, the DisneyNature documentary BEARS (go figure), as well as the upcoming animated sequel RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Ribon is also the writer of SLAM!, a roller derby drama comic series that includes stunning art by Veronica Fish. She's also the author of Oni Press' Rick and Morty comic series.

I am overwhelmingly stoked to hear that MY BOYFRIEND IS A BEAR has been picked up by a major studio. In my personal opinion, Nora and the Bear's relationship is the stuff that great romantic fantasy fiction is made of. The story has layers, and carries with it a powerful message related to expectations, looking beneath the surface, and finding love in the most unconventional of places. I highly recommend picking up a copy for yourself and sharing it with your friends.