Layne Fargo’s hit romance novel, 'The Favourites,' is officially making its way to Netflix!
The project brings together a powerhouse creative team, according to Deadline. Cathy Schulman, the Oscar-winning producer behind 'The Idea of You,' is joining forces with Kate Gersten, who recently wrote 'The Last Showgirl.' Together, they'll adapt Fargo's intense sports romance for the screen.
What is 'The Favourites' About?
Think of it as 'Wuthering Heights' meets the high-stakes world of professional figure skating. The story follows Katarina Shaw, a determined athlete who fought for her dreams without any family support. Along the way, she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely boy in the foster care system. The two share an instant bond, growing from childhood sweethearts into world-class ice dancing champions—until a dramatic incident at the Olympics tears them apart.
Image Courtesy: People
Fast forward a decade, and a new "tell-all" documentary is digging into their past. While Kat initially wants to stay quiet, she realises she can't let strangers define her legacy. For the first time in ten years, she decides to share the real story of her deep connection with Heath and the conflicts that eventually broke them.
Layne Fargo Shares About Her Book 'The Favourites'
Back in early 2025, Fargo shared with Variety that this book was a passion project born from her own obsessions. She originally struggled to write two separate stories—a gothic romance and a skating thriller—before realising they worked perfectly as one 'Wuthering Heights' reimagining. She described the breakthrough as a magical moment after years of trying to find the right path.
Even back then, Fargo was already dreaming of a screen adaptation. She even had a specific actor in mind for Heath: 'Twisters' star Brandon Perea. She noted that his background in jam skating would make him a natural on the ice.
As for the transition from page to screen, Fargo told Swooon that she is completely open to making changes to help the story shine as a movie. She believes the most important part is staying true to the characters. She's particularly excited about the chance to explore scenes the book couldn't show, like seeing what happens between Heath and other characters when Kat isn't around.
